Authorities in İstanbul have officially banned the upcoming concerts by SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL and BEHEMOTH following a wave of backlash and accusations that the bands promote satanism and conflict with “societal values.”
The shows were scheduled to take place at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center Turkcell Stage, with SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL set to perform on February 10 and BEHEMOTH on February 11. However, the Beşiktaş District Governor’s Office announced that the events would not go ahead, enforcing a two-day ban on all ticketed events at the venue from 00:01 on February 10 until 23:59 on February 11.
“The events were found to have caused public reaction due to their incompatibility with our societal values,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
Citing Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations, the office added that “all concerts, festivals, group and ticketed events, and similar activities within Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center have been banned for two days.”
According to reports, the decision also referenced Articles 17 and 22 of Law No. 2911 and Article 32/Ç of Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration.
İstanbul Governor Davut Gül publicly supported the move, sharing a firm message on social media: “No activity that corrupts society has ever been allowed in İstanbul, and none will be allowed in the future,” he wrote, quoting the district governor’s office. In a separate post, he reiterated: “No activity that corrupts society in Istanbul has ever been permitted up to this day, and it will not be permitted in the future either.”
The cancellations follow a targeted media campaign led by Akit TV, a pro-government Islamist broadcaster. During a recent news bulletin, host Erkan Tan criticized both acts, stating: “Bands named ‘Slaughter To Prevail,’ who preach satanism and steal the faith of young people, and ‘Behemoth,’ who blatantly oppose religion with their satanic attire, are coming to Turkey.”
“These two groups are banned in Russia. We call on the authorities to act urgently and cancel these events that poison our children and youth,” he added.
Following the broadcast, social media saw a surge of posts calling for the concerts to be scrapped.
SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL frontman Alex Terrible quickly responded to the allegations via Instagram. “I have no clue what they saying but we are SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL not sliden to previl,” he wrote, poking fun at potential mispronunciations of the band’s name.
“Also we are not satanic. We are brutal death metal band. I personally will go to Valhalla after I die. Our guitarist @thegrebfather probably will go to hell coz he is orthodox Christian,” he added. “Turkey’s people I love you and respect your country and religion views. But don’t call me satanic.”
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