In the clip that accompanies the song, singer Elena Tzagrino dances in an empty dark room, then is joined by a number of dancers in the form of demons who lift her up. The text talks about a woman who is in a relationship with a man who is abusing her, but she still loves him: “I gave my heart to El Diablo (the devil),” the singer sang, “he says I am his angel.”
But the so realistic and painful issue did not really move the extremist conservatives in the country, who decided to boycott it, at best, and threaten violence, in more extreme cases, if it did indeed represent Cyprus in competition.
Yesterday (Saturday) a man entered the Cybc building (the Cypriot Broadcasting Authority responsible for selecting the song for the competition) in Nicosia, shouting: “Atheist devils”, and launching threats against local workers. Police were called to the scene, and it was decided to fine the man for only 300 euros, just for violating the limits of the corona.
Earlier, on Friday, an anonymous phone call was received on Cybc in which the caller threatened to set the building on fire. The suspect was apprehended and released on bail pending a hearing in court.
Although the song is severely criticized by clerics and educators alike for its “devilish” message, Cybc made it clear that the song “El Diablo” represented the country at the May 18 Eurovision Song Contest. “We are ready to accept criticism, but we will not receive threats against our staff,” the Cyprus Broadcasting Authority said.