Jordan lifts ban on Lebanese rock band Mashrou Leila

Jordan is permitting a popular Lebanese rock band to perform, lifting an earlier ban imposed amid claims the group’s songs violate customs and religious beliefs.

Lebanese Hamed Sinno, left, the lead singer and song writer of the Lebanese group Mashrou' Leila. A Jordanian ban on the group performing in the country was lifted, but not in time for the group to travel to the concert. Hussein Malla / AP Photo
Powered by automated translation

AMMAN // Jordan is permitting a popular Lebanese rock band to perform, lifting an earlier ban imposed amid claims the group’s songs violate customs and religious beliefs.

Khalid Abu Zeid, a regional politician who initially announced the ban against Mashrou Leila, said in a new statement that “we don’t mind if this concert takes place”. He did not elaborate.

The indie band, known for songs about controversial subjects, says the reversal comes too late for the Jordan show to take place as scheduled on Friday.

The group’s detractors included both Christian and Muslim clerics and officials.

* Associated Press