Cairo: Egyptian singer Sherine Abdelwahab, accused of defaming her country during a concert in Bahrain, appealed to President Abdul Fattah El Sisi for help, according to Almarsd.
"I feel that I am being persecuted in my country and you are our father, I am like your daughter. My country’s army protects me. Egypt is a red line for me," she said.
She was speaking in tears during a phone call with Amro Adeeb’s programme "The Story", aired on MBC Egypt TV channel.
"I made a mistake during my concert in Bahrain but I swear that I did not mean Egypt. I apologise for anyone who felt offended. After that I will respect myself and will stop speaking," she said while she was sobbing.
The singer reportedly said during a recent concert in Bahrain: "Okay, here I can speak freely, because in Egypt anyone who speaks goes to prison."
However, Sherine claimed that her words have been misconstrued and taken out of context.
She pointed out that she had said during her concert in Bahrain: "If I said one word against Egypt it will be distorted and used against me. That’s unjust."
The Egyptian Musicians’ Union suspended Sherine pending investigation, banning her from performing in any concert as from March 21.
Union president Hani Shaker said that the probe panel would seek to obtain a recording of the concert held in Bahrain. He said that many people had complained.
Meanwhile, a viral video posted on social media showed the singer clearly saying during the concert: "Okay, here I can speak freely, because in Egypt anyone who speaks goes to prison."
The singer revealed that she had been advised to travel to Lebanon from Bahran, adding that she refused as she was keen on returning to Egypt.
Lawyer Dr Samir Sabri filed an urgent case, accusing her of "insulting Egypt", "spreading false news" and "inviting suspicious human rights organisations to interfere in Egypt’s affairs".
Dr Sabri accused Sherine of sullying the reputation of her country in the Arab region and the world.