Syrian artist Omar Souleyman, who was scheduled to perform last night at the Stockholm Music and Arts Festival in Sweden, did not get a chance to play. He and his band were refused entry into Sweden because of their nationality.
Here is the English translation of a statement made by a representative of the festival,
[The] band [have been] refused visa in Sweden because Sweden does not let the Syrian citizens [in]. They believe that the risk is too great that the band must apply for a residence permit in Sweden.
Not only is it absurd not to allow Syrian citizens. It is of course extra crazy when it comes to an artist that tours around the world without any problem. An artist who also has even played in Sweden before. It is the first time the band denied visas ever in the world. Go Sweden.
There have been no reports of statements so far from Swedish officials as to why Souleyman and his band were denied entry into the country.
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