Cairo, Nov 28: Tunisian singer Zikra was shot dead at home in Cairo today by her husband, who then killed two other people and himself, Egyptian police said. Police reported domestic staff at the couple's home as saying that Ayman al-Swidi, an Egyptian businessman, fired four shots at his wife, 42, during a dispute. Swidi also killed the singer's manager, whose name was given only as Khadiga, and another unnamed person at their apartment in the chic Zamalek area of the Egyptian capital. Police said Swidi then took his own life, without giving further details. They have opened an inquiry into the incident. Zikra, a well-known figure in the Arab world, had lived in Egypt for several years.
Earlier this year a Saudi cleric caused outrage by calling for Zikra to face the death sentence after she compared her suffering to that of the prophet Mohammed.
Zikra reportedly told a press conference in Qatar that the hardships she faced in launching her career were comparable to those endured by the prophet.
Bureau Report