"Don't Perform for Murderers," Message to Justin Bieber Ahead of Saudi Concert

▲Justin Bieber [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Voices are growing to urge global pop star Justin Bieber to cancel his concert in Saudi Arabia.

This is due to concerns that Saudi Arabia, where human rights issues have arisen including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman being implicated in the assassination of a journalist, might use the event for its own purposes.

On the 16th (local time), Hatice Cengiz, the fianc?e of journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was killed while criticizing the Saudi royal family, requested Bieber to cancel his Saudi concert in a letter released to the Washington Post (WP) on the 21st (local time).

Bieber is scheduled to perform at a concert commemorating the Formula One (F1) race held in Saudi Arabia on the 5th of next month.

Cengiz said, "Please cancel the Saudi concert," adding, "This is a special opportunity to send a strong message to the world that your name and talent will not be used to rehabilitate the reputation of a regime that kills critics."

She pointed out that Bieber should not forget that he is performing at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed.

She wrote, "Nothing important happens in Saudi Arabia without his consent," and "Even your face appeared on a website alongside the person who executed my fianc?."

She also said, "I know you are devoted to your fans and that you are coming for your Saudi fans," but pointed out, "However, hundreds of people in Saudi Arabia are imprisoned and punished simply for expressing opposition to Crown Prince Mohammed's ruthless dictatorship, regardless of age, background, or religious beliefs."

Cengiz also referenced Bieber's statements last year supporting the 'Black Lives Matter' (BLM) movement.

She wrote, "Last year, you told your Instagram followers, 'Racism is evil and deeply ingrained in our culture, so I want to use this platform to remind people,'" and added, "Considering this excellent promise made against injustice, please use your platform to support human rights activism in Saudi Arabia."

Cengiz requested, "This year, you released albums titled 'Justice' and 'Freedom.' Saudi Arabia desperately needs both. Please do not sing for the murderer of beloved Khashoggi."

She continued, "If you refuse to perform, the message 'I do not perform for dictators' and 'I want justice and freedom over money' will resonate loudly."

The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) also urged Bieber and the performers to cancel the concert.

HRW human rights activist Minky Worden pointed out that sports events like F1 could be 'sportswashing' aimed at avoiding scrutiny of the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.

Sportswashing refers to individuals, companies, or countries using sports to improve poor public opinion or reputation.

In 2018, journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who had criticized the Saudi royal family, was killed in Turkey.

The United States released an intelligence report implicating Crown Prince Mohammed in the assassination and imposed sanctions on Saudi Arabia. The United Nations also published a report stating there is credible evidence of private involvement by Crown Prince Mohammed and others that needs investigation.