Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. has announced the cancellation of their upcoming concert in Istanbul, scheduled for August 20th at Zorlu PSM. The decision comes in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their call for a boycott of the venue.
The band's decision is a direct response to the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which urges individuals and institutions to avoid doing business with Israel due to its alleged history of apartheid and genocide in Palestine. Zorlu PSM, owned by Zorlu Holdings, is a partial owner of Dorad, an Israeli energy company.
In a statement posted on their Instagram story, Fontaines D.C. expressed their commitment to standing with the Palestinian people. "We must be clear in our convictions and put solidarity with the people of Palestine first," they wrote.
The band's full statement reads:
> To all our wonderful fans in Turkey. > > Further to conversations with Palestinian artists and human rights activists, we have now decided to cancel our show at Zorlu PSM, Istanbul on Tuesday 20th August. The global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement led by the largest Palestinian coalition, has called on artists to refuse to play Zorlu PSM until Zorlu fully divests from the supply of energy to Israel while it carries out what the International Court of Justice now agrees is plausibly a genocide. > > We were really looking forward to visiting and playing Istanbul, however in this instance, we must be clear in our convictions and put solidarity with the people of Palestine first. We promise to play in Turkey as soon as we can make it possible. > > Full ticket refunds will be available from point of purchase. > > With Love, Fontaines DC > > #EndIsraeliGenocide > #EndIsraeliApartheid > #SupportBDS > #FreePalestine
The band has expressed their disappointment at having to cancel the show, but emphasised their commitment to the Palestinian cause. They have assured fans that they will return to Turkey to perform as soon as possible.
Fontaines D.C.'s decision to cancel their Istanbul show highlights the growing international awareness of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination. The band's action, along with the BDS movement's continued efforts, contribute to increasing pressure on Israel to address the ongoing human rights violations in Palestine.
