Cyprus' devout want no part of Eurovision entry 'El Diablo'

Several dozen Orthodox Christian faithful and clergy members have staged another protest against the island nation’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest, which they contend promotes Satan worship

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- Several dozen Orthodox Christian faithful and clergy members held up wooden crucifixes, icons of saints and a banner declaring Cyprus’ love for Christ in a renewed protest Wednesday over the island nation's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest, which they contend promotes Satan worship. The protest, held opposite the gates of the offices of state broadcaster RIK, was the second against the song “El Diablo” staged by Christians who argue the number has no place as the national song of Cyprus in the contest because of what they say is its brazen invitation to embrace the devil. Both RIK and singer Elena Tsagrinou, who represents Cyprus in the contest underway this week in the Netherlands, say critics have misinterpreted the lyrics of “El Diablo” and that it’s actually about an abusive relationship between two lovers. The song passed its first competition hurdle during a Tuesday semifinal and made it into the contest's final round, set for Saturday in Rotterdam.