"Charles Spapens, mayor of Forest, a municipality of Brussels, issued the following statement, per The Brussels Times: "My responsibility and priority are the safety of residents, neighbors, demonstrators, spectators and staff at Forest National. Given the police's negative advice and the venue's unique location, it was my duty to make this decision." His decision came after a police risk assessment warned that Draiman's appearance could lead to violent demonstrations around the venue. It was also influenced by a national strike set to take place a day earlier in Brussels, as well as the anticipation of other demonstrations that may occur in the area."
"Draiman, who is Jewish, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel for years, but it appears that it's the photos of him signing Israel Defense Forces (IDF) missiles he tweeted in June 2024 with the hashtag "#FuckHamas" that raised the most concern for Mayor Spapens and local authorities. Those photos came to light again earlier this year when Draiman engaged in a war of words with pro-Palestinian UK hip-hop band Kneecap."
Disturbed were scheduled to play Forest National in Brussels on October 15 as part of The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour. The mayor of Forest announced a ban citing police advice and the venue's unique location, prioritizing the safety of residents, demonstrators, spectators and staff. A police risk assessment warned Draiman's appearance could provoke violent demonstrations. The decision also considered a national strike and anticipated nearby protests. Concerns focused on photos Draiman tweeted in June 2024 of him signing IDF missiles with the hashtag "#FuckHamas" and his ensuing exchanges with a pro-Palestinian band. The show remains listed online and the band has not issued an official statement.
Read at Consequence
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