Bono condemns Denmark for burqa ban during Copenhagen concert

Bono has condemned Denmark for banning the burqa during a concert in Copenhagen.

The U2 frontman, performing in the capital’s Royal Arena, used his ‘evil alter ego’ Mr MacPhisto to mock the ruling, which came into force amid protests in August.

It came weeks after he used the same photo filter technology, projecting a devil clown face to mock Sweden’s surge in support for anti-immigrant politicians.

In Copenhagen, the 58-year-old Irish singer mockingly congratulated some of Europe’s best-known hard-right and populist politicians, starting with those in Denmark before launching into a rendition of 1991’s ‘Acrobat’. 

Bono has condemned Denmark for banning the burqa during a concert in the country. The U2 frontman, performing in the capital Copenhagen, used his ‘evil alter ego’ Mr MacPhisto to mock the ruling, which came into force amid protests in August

He told the audience: ‘Denmark, I had forgotten about your splendid colonial ways, but I see you’re finding your own form. Forget [Danish television series] Borgen. You’re banning burqas and confiscating jewellery from those awful asylum seekers. Bravo.’

He also called far right Hungarian PM Viktor Orban a ‘lovely man’ and performed a Nazi salute as he shouted out ‘Jimmie Åkesson, next door in Sweden’.

Bono also called French far right politician Marine Le Pen ‘Daddy’s litte girl’, and a ‘little girl with big ideas’.

Protesters wearing niqab and body-length burqas marched in Denmark after the country’s ban on wearing face veils in public was put into action in August.  

Restrictions on Islamic face veils were approved by MPs in May after being brought forward by the country’s centre-right coalition, known for tightening asylum and immigration rules in recent years.

But as the law took effect, making Denmark the fifth European nation to outlaw full-face veils, supporters and opponents of the ban clashed verbally.

First-time offenders risk a fine of 1,000 kroner (£120). Repeat offenses could trigger fines of up to 10,000 kroner (£1,200) or a jail sentence of up to six months.

Hitler comparison: Bono was seen making a Nazi salute on stage during U2's concert in Paris in September as he mocked Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson

Hitler comparison: Bono was seen making a Nazi salute on stage during U2’s concert in Paris in September as he mocked Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson

Alter ego: Bono made fun of the increased support for the far-right in Sweden while performing as his 'evil alter ego' Mr McPhisto

Alter ego: Bono made fun of the increased support for the far-right in Sweden while performing as his ‘evil alter ego’ Mr McPhisto

Anyone forcing a person to wear garments covering the face by using force or threats can be fined or face up to two years in prison. Austria, France and Belgium have similar laws.

Bono’s Macphisto, who speaks with an exaggerated upper-class English accent, was conceived for the group’s Zoo TV tour in 1992, and has been used to make satirical statements ever since.

In September Bono was seen making a Nazi salute during a concert in Paris, as he mocked the leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats party in the wake of the country’s general election.

He shouted the name of SD leader Åkesson while throwing his right arm out, after congratulating Sweden for discovering their ‘Aryan potential’.

Åkesson’s anti-immigrant SD party won 17.6 per cent of the vote, leaving Sweden in political deadlock with neither mainstream block strong enough to form a government. 

Video footage shows the U2 frontman making the unmistakable Hitler-comparison in between songs during the band’s Experience + Innocence Tour gig in the French capital on Sunday.

Far-right boost: Sweden Democrats party leader Jimmie Akesson speaks to the media the day after his party won 17.6 per cent in the general election

Far-right boost: Sweden Democrats party leader Jimmie Akesson speaks to the media the day after his party won 17.6 per cent in the general election

Bono is seen speaking into a camera which applies a digital clown mask onto his face on the big screen behind him, transforming him into Mr MacPhisto.

In character as Mr MacPhisto, Bono said: ‘I’m just back from Sweden. I didn’t know how much I’d like the Swedish.

‘Tall, blond, blue eyed… boring. But now the Swedes are beginning to discover their Aryan potential.

He then shouted: ‘Akesson! Jimmie Akesson!,’ while performing a Nazi salute.

‘I like him, I like him, he has done so well in the election today,’ he added. ‘I love elections. I love balloons. I love parties that get out of hand.’

Bono’s Mr MacPhisto appeared to mock not just Akesson, but the rise in support for the far-right in Sweden, where SD – which has its roots in neo-Nazi organisations – was the most popular party among male voters.

One in four Swedish men voted for SD, compared to just 14 per cent of women, according to the VALU exit poll. 

 

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