Lawsuit Filed To Ban Music Events At Giza Pyramids

We may have enjoyed Anyma’s End of Genesys show at the Pyramids over the weekend, but a new challenge may affect music events at the Giza Pyramids in Egypt from now on. The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) filed a lawsuit against the government in court for its failure to protect the archeological sanctuary from unauthorized activities and events. According to the ECESR, the high-frequency vibrations that the sound systems utilize can harm the structural integrity of the stones, and the laser and light systems do not follow international standards for illumination at heritage sites.

The Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) on behalf of three plaintiffs: Egyptologist Dr. Monica Hanna, tour guide Sally Salah El-Din, and lawyer Malek Adly. They are suing the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, along with other high-ranking officials responsible for the Giza area. Their demands are twofold: Stop all DJ and music events at the Pyramids and ban any temporary or permanent construction, excavation, or building work at the archaeological site that supports these events.

The official statement explains that the lawsuit is grounded on the Egyptian constitution, Law No.117, which states the Egyptian government must take all legislative measures to secure the preservation of the collective Egyptian and humanitarian patrimony. Furthermore, the document continues to explain how authorities failed to protect the site, despite being aware of such nighttime events.

The Goal

The lawsuit requests that the court cancel all further events within the sanctuary. Then, it states that authorities should take direct protective and restorative measures to guarantee they will follow international guidelines. Finally, the suit also demands a review of all contracts with private companies to achieve transparency and proper handling of public funds. (source)

Context

It is difficult to determine what the catalyst for the lawsuit was. If we go back hard enough. Future Sound of Egypt has hosted multiple Trance shows in Giza, including FSOE 500 with Armin van Buuren. Other productions that have performed at the Pyramids include Zamna, Keinemusik, Anyma, and, in December, Tiësto. Nevertheless, the lawsuit does not reference any specific artist or party, so it solely blames authorities for their lack of action.