London police evacuated the Hammersmith Apollo – Iranian musician Dariush Eghbali was performing there that evening – on Sunday (09 October) following a bomb threat. According to the police, they received an anonymous tip about the planned assassination during the Eghbali concert in the Apollo. Although no information was available on how the bomb threat would actually be implemented, the police and the management of the Apollo decided to evacuate the concert building for safety reasons.
the @EventimApollo in Hammersmith was evacuated this evening following a security alert.
Officers are in the area to support staff and to facilitate the safe departure of those who were in attendance at the venue.
We have set out more information in the statement below. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NT2X0ux9o4
— Hammersmith and Fulham (@MPSHammFul) October 9, 2022
After the evacuation was completed, a number of people gathered in front of the Hammersmith Apollo to show their solidarity with the current protests against the Iranian government and its handling of women’s rights.
Dariush, Iranian singer’s concert was canceled in the middle of the show in London because of “bombing threat”. The Islamic Republic knows no borders when it comes to terrorism pic.twitter.com/6To8vUJowt
— Ghoncheh (@GhonchehAzad) October 9, 2022
The death of Masha Amini
Protests related to the Iranian government have escalated, especially since the death of Masha Amini. On September 16, 2022, the 22-year-old was arrested in Tehran for not wearing a hijab. The young woman died shortly thereafter. Witnesses stated that Amini was beaten by the authorities and died as a result of the assault.
Dua Lipa shows solidarity on Instagram
Since Masha Amini’s death, many musicians have been campaigning for women’s rights in Iran. Including Dua Lipa. A few days ago, she shared photos on Instagram of women who have died since the current protests in Iran: “Sarina Esmailzadeh, 16, was beaten to death by Iranian security authorities for protesting for women’s rights in Iran. Nika Shakarami, 16, was murdered after burning her hijab as a form of protest. Hadis Najafi, 23, was shot multiple times during a demonstration over the death of Masha Amini and died shortly thereafter.”
Dua Lipa continues: “According to estimates, there are currently 1,200 other women in police custody. don’t look away Each of us can use a wide variety of platforms to draw attention to this topic and together we can be loud. I show my solidarity with the women in Iran.”