Palestinian authorities arrested prominent Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi on Sunday after she performed at an event held at a complex housing the Nabi Musa mosque, the burial site of Prophet Moses.
The event took place on Saturday evening, with images of the party circulating on social media, falling under heavy criticism by others who viewed the event as a desecration of a holy Islamic site to rush to the party. Many rushed to the event to bring it to an end. Abdulhadi and several other were arrested the following day on an “offending religion” charge.
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Nabi Musa is considered both a holy site as well as a tourist destination, having recently been renovated as part of a project financed by the European Union and administered by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism. The complex is home to a mosque and a hotel, where birthdays and weddings have previously been held.
The event’s organizers claim to have obtained permits from the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism. According to music site Ma3azef, the event took place as part of a video shoot in the Middle Eastern nation to promote tourism. Ammar Dweik, the director of the Independent Palestinian Commission for Human Rights, an organization founded by the Palestinian Authority, confirmed to France 24 that Abdulhadi had official permission for the event.
Abdulhadi has been denied bail, and a petition has been posted to demand her release. Hussam Abu al-Rub, Palestinian Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs, claimed that no permission was given to hold the event. However, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh set up a commission to investigate the event.
As of today, Abdulhadi is being held in custody for a further 15 days.
