DaxJ

UK DJ sentenced to one year in Tunisian jail after playing techno remix of the Muslim call to prayer

[Image credit: Facebook]

The Orbit Festival in Tunisia became a performance that Dax J would never forget. The UK DJ was sentenced to one year in jail after playing a techno remix of the Muslim call to prayer.

He has since released a statement, which you can read below.

Read more: Web Cover Story: Worship & Tribute

Video of the DJ playing the remix of the Muslim call to prayer, or Adhan, soon went viral after the peformance, allowing authorities to taking action against both Dax J and the club, El Guitone. Resident Advisor has reported that El Guitone has been shut down and the owner has been taken into custody.

BBC reported that the governor of Nabeul, Mnaouar Ouertani, said that the club would “remain closed” until further notice. They also reported that club's manager had been detained “for violation against good morals and public outrage against modesty,” adding that an investigation was underway.

Dax J was sentenced to one year in jail, but because he was not in the country, he was not incarcerated. The charges will expire after five years.

The DJ has released a statement on Facebook about the controversy. You can read it below.

“I wish to express my deepest apologies to anyone who has been offended by the music that I played at the Orbit Festival in Tunisia last Friday. I am incredibly saddened that anyone would believe that I played a track, featuring a 20 second vocal of the “Call To Prayer / Adhan”, for any reason other than its musicality and the beauty of the vocal.

As a result of this unfortunate and unintentional incident, yesterday in my absence and without notice, I was convicted in the Tunisian courts and sentenced to 1 year in prison. I am currently back in Europe and this conviction in place will expire in 5 years.

I hold the upmost respect for all religions across the globe and I can now understand how my recent actions could have been perceived in the wrong way. We must all take time to truly respect and appreciate everybody’s beliefs in this world to move forward as a global society.

Through this experience, I have gained a greater and deeper insight into the world that we live in. I will continue to create art through music, and I look forward to sharing this with you.”

Dax J also shared “Camargue” by CJ Bolland with the post.

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