Egypt probes claims by Islamist lawyer that Cairo arts centre hosted Satanist concert

CAIRO – A heavy metal concert has prompted a police investigation after an Islamist lawyer claimed it was attended by Satanists at a well-known cultural centre in Egypt’s capital Cairo.

A security official says Muslim Brotherhood lawyer Ismail el-Washahi filed a suit accusing the El-Sawy Culture Wheel of hosting people wearing black t-shirts, carrying Satanists’ drawings and accessories while dancing at the concert. The suit claims “Satanist rituals were held.”

The centre denied the claims, saying some violations of its rules, like smoking, occurred but were dealt with. An investigation began Monday, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press.

The allegations recall a high-profile case 15 years ago when state security cracked down “Satan worshippers,” arresting some 100 heavy metal fans.