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Irish minister livid as band cancels Israel

May 10, 2012 13:37
Justice Minister Alan Shatter

ByMarcus Dysch, Marcus Dysch

1 min read

Irish Justice Minister Alan Shatter has accused anti-Israel activists of waging a "cyber-bullying" campaign to force an Irish folk group to cancel its performances in Israel.

Mr Shatter attacked the actions of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Group after it encouraged supporters to target the website of folk group Dervish over its planned concerts. The musicians subsequently cancelled their tour.

The Israeli embassy in Dublin said the actions against Dervish had been "a campaign of cultural terror".

Dervish – who came last representing Ireland in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest – had planned to play in Israel in June following an invitation from Israeli organisers with whom the group had previously worked.