The President’s Office has said that the online death threat against Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul was a “local hoax” aimed at damaging the country’s reputation.
“The investigation has revealed that the threat is designed to dissuade visitors, create an atmosphere of fear and disappoint the many thousand fans of Mr. Sean Paul who eagerly await the landmark concert in the capital, Male’.”
“The threat is also aimed at tarnishing the longstanding reputation of the Maldives as a destination of peace, security, and tranquility,” continued a statement released today (December 28).
The video (since removed) promised that “the world will see your burnt and blood drenched dead body,” should the artist perform in the Maldives.
Representatives of the singer are reported to be undecided about whether the performance is to go ahead.
Although the logo of the Bilad Al Sham Media (BASM) group appeared in the Youtube video, the Syrian-based jihadi group immediately distanced itself from the threat, also suggesting a hoax designed to defame the country’s reputation.
Though it condemned the concert itself as an “ideological attack” on the youth, BASM accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party of being behind the threat.
Despite assurances from tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb that the concert would continue, Islamic minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has criticised the decision to hold the event.
Similarly, Adhaalath Party MP Anara Naeem and religious NGO Jamiyyathul Salaf have since spoken out against the concert.
The President’s Office today noted that the Maldives was famous for its peaceful people and its safety as a destination for over one million tourists a year.
“However, local authorities will take every possible measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Sean Paul and all his adoring fans in the Maldives, to ensure that the concert is a resounding success.”
Police have corroborated the President’s Office statement, saying that their investigations into the incident had revealed the threat to have been a hoax.
Message from artist
Meanwhile, Sean Paul has thanked the people of the Maldives for inviting him to perform, noting that he was aware of the concerns raised by some ahead of the concert.
“I have felt the love and support from many Maldivian citizens looking forward to the concert,” read a message posted on the singer’s official Facebook page.
“I have also heard the concerns of some citizens regarding the concert and the concerns of my fellow Jamaicans.”
“During this very holy season for people of all faiths, I pray for peace.”
Jamaican media yesterday reported that a final decision on whether Paul would perform was yet to be made, following the threat posted on Youtube on December 25.
“It is because I have the utmost respect for various religions and cultures that I have sought to travel the world to learn and to share,” read the status update on Paul’s page today.
“I support freedom of expression within whichever context best suits you and do not judge others based on their religious beliefs.”
Sean Paul’s publicist has been quoted in the Jamaican Observer as saying that the discussions with event organisers were ongoing.
“We are aware of the developing situation. We are currently in contact with all related parties concerning the concert to address the matter. No further details are available at this time,” Carlette DeLeon told the paper.
The ‘Tourist Arrival Countdown Show’ has been organised by event management company Chopart after tourism minister Adeeb invited the grammy award winning singer to perform in a free concert as part of the government’s tourism promotion efforts.
Although the event’s posters feature the ‘Sunny side of life’ logo of the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, when contacted by Minivan News today, the corporation said that it was not involved in arranging the event.
When contacted for further comment today, Islamic minister Shaheem stated only that the concert was not being arranged by his ministry before declining to comment further.
Tourism minister Adeeb was not responding to calls at the time of publication.
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Warm up to paradise... 3, 2, 1, ...
Here we have the biggest state sponsored, not just "Laa Dheenee" but Haram event ever. We can still hear the campaign slogans:
"Dheena Takaa, Gauma Takaa... hovan jeheyne...".
Wonder how many Takaas will it take to stop this Haram event?
Where are the Takaas, those defenders of our faith? They've fallen silent in the face of Adheeb! After all, Dheen and Gaum come after money eh?
Might the Lord throw down more brains - PLEASE!
Tell me, PPM scum. How does it feel for your attack dogs to bite your hands?
this is done by Nasheed . He has failed his campaign on tourist boycott and this is a new technique that he started.
Nasheed must be made answerable to this and i wonder why the Gov, can not take any actions against Nasheed.
There might be one brain left also for you "Hero" ...
Rap music + politics + religion + youth + money + media coverage = a story of how the new Age politics work.
Best to cancel the new year celebration. I am sure some short, fat, bearded mullah will say it is unislamic, just like Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah.
You guys should stay put in your cave.
Sean Paul should cancel the gig and perform in a more civilised country.
Rap music has its origins in the violent gangs of North America. Is it any wonder rap music is now connected to the regime here?
@rapper
Are you saying N. America has violent gangs. And we are supposed to follow their democracy..
this matter shows the real mentality of the Maldivians.
The world must watch over these country which is going to Dogs.
President is involved in all the stuff in the country. But he puts his boys ( Adeeb/ Nazim/ Saeed) forward. He is not fit to be a president.
Maldives wants only westerners money. Funny. They do not want anything else.
Without western tourists where do you expect to go. Do you think China will bring money to you. No
Nasheed and his thugs want Maldives to be thier own property and then everyone to follow and obey his orders.
Forget it, Nasheed will never be able to get the smell of Presidency in this country. No matter what damages he do to our country and this is our country not Nasheed's own property.
Majority of Maldivian are sick of this retarded mental guy and we all are sick to hear and see his ruthless actions.
Remember this is paradise what ever we want we will get it.....
Ah, the Maldives. What a joke this country is. Can't wait until western tourist money dries up. Wonder what they'll do then, export their tuna "delicacies" all over the world? 😀
@Trennung
Close! They'll just make new buddies with organized crime gangs, create SEZ's for them to operate out off and collect a 10% service charge for having control of all the heroin shipping in the South and SouthEast Asian area.