Ruby defies Jordanian Parliament

Jordanian Minister of Culture has denied that his ministry had released an order to ban Egyptian singer Ruby from participating in the Shubaib Festival for Arts and Culture, which took place earlier this month, asserting that the Ministry of Interior is the only entity that could release such an order.

According to the London based Elaph, despite the heated opposition voiced by Islamist Parliament members, who were backed by a number of local newspapers, over Ruby’s performance, sources from the administration of the festival asserted that there were no cancellations. Sources added that Jordan is a country that has never forbidden artists from entering and the audience are the ones who decide who they want to listen to despite opposing views of some politicians.

Days after advertisements were aired for controversial singer Ruby’s first ever concert in Jordan at the Shubaib Festival, in which she held two performances, opposition was immediately voiced by Islamist Parliament members, who were backed by a number of local newspapers.

Members of parliament stressed that it is unacceptable to invite Ruby to sing in Jordan, since she is a provocative singer whose style is inappropriate for the average Arab audience.

An attorney representing the interests of the Islamic parliament members stated that he tried all possible steps to try and prohibit Ruby from entering Jordan, and was willing to enter into a legal battle against her participation.

A member of parliament argued that Ruby’s performance at the festival is a source of corruption for Jordanian youth, who attend such events, and criticized the government for allowing singers like Ruby to enter the country.