X Factor Arab singer refused entry to Lebanon
X Factor Arab singer refused entry to Lebanon
Adham Nabulsi, a Jordanian of Palestinian origin, says he was forbidden from entering Lebanon because he had recently visited the Occupied Territories.
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The X Factor singer was refused entry to Lebanon [Youtube]
X Factor Arab contestant Adham Nabulsi has said he was barred from entering Lebanon because he visited the Occupied Territories.
Adham, a Jordanian of Palestinian origin, said he was blocked on Tuesday 9 June despite not having an Israeli stamp in his passport.
The singer spent a considerable time in Lebanon while performing on the X Factor Arab in 2013. Afterwards he travelled to Ramallah, Nablus and Jerusalem and performed several concerts.
On his Twitter account, Adham said that he was held at the airport because despite not having any Israeli stamps.
"I have been held for four hours at Beirut airport and denied entry to Lebanon because I had visited Palestine. I didn't have an Israeli stamp on my passport, and entered Palestine with a permit just like any other foreign artist!"
Israel and Lebanon are still officially at war, and visitors to Lebanon can be denied entry if they have an Israeli stamp in their passport or have visited Israel. Visitors to the Occupied Territories must pass through Israeli customs, although they can request not to have their passports stamped.
The performer last week posted on Twitter from his home town, Nablus. "It is the best feeling that I am in my hometown of Nablus Palestine (heart) I can't explain to you this feeling."
Adham's fans expressed their shock about the decision to prevent him entering Lebanon.
A Twitter account was set up in English called: #WeWantAdhamNabulsiInLebanon.
Other hashtags were created such as "Allow-Adham-to-enter-Lebanon" and "We-are-all-Adham-Nabulsi".
Others said in Arabic:
"We-are-all-Adham-Nabulsi I hope this problem gets solved. I can't study or sleep! The future of a doctorate is being lost here. #Allow-Adham-to-enter-Lebanon"
"#Allow-Adham-to-enter-Lebanon. This in your opinion creates danger for Lebanon! Visiting his country and bringing joy to his people and children is a crime."
Adham won third place in the first series of X Factor Arab in 2013, receiving 17.39 percent of the total number of votes in round one of the finals. He was eliminated in round two.
