A man who stormed the offices of Cypriot broadcaster CyBC over the Cypriot Eurovision entry “El Diablo” by Elena Tsagrinou has been arrested in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia. The protester who can’t be named for legal reasons has claimed that the entry was an “affront to Christianity”. Cyprus is made up of almost 90% Orthodox Christians.
Cypriot police has charged the man with a total of four offences, including threatening behaviour, verbal abuse and causing a disturbance.
A group that represents religious high school teachers have also expressed their “disgust” over it. They say it should be withdrawn from the competition because it “pledges lifelong devotion and professes love for satan” [sic].
All started with a petition
On the 26th February, a petition was launched to get the entry withdrawn by CyBC. You can see the mission statement below.
Dear fellow citizens, the participation of Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “EL DIABLO” is scandalous for us Christians. Join us in protest.
Message from the creator of the petition
In addition, Sigma has reported that there have been threats of violence towards the broadcaster as a result of the song. The source claims that there have been been threats to burn down RIK’s head office, which were reported to the police.
You can listen to “El Diablo” below.
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