Pura Luka Vega acquitted in immorality case over viral ‘Ama Namin’ performance

Pura Luka Vega. Picture: Instagram/@Puralukaveega

Drag Performer Pura Luka VegaAlso called Amadeus Fernando Pagente, has been launched from prison prosecution by the regional court docket of Manila in reference to their viral efficiency of “Ama Namin”.

In a ruling of 20 pages of 10 June, Decide Czarina Samonte-Villanueva of Manila RTC Department 184 has acquitted Vega of the violation of Article 201 of the revised Felony Code, which punishes Obscene or indecent content material with regard to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“That’s the reason Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also referred to as Pura Luka Vega, is accusing the persecution of the persecution guilty the prosecution.

The choice stems from a criticism filed by the non secular group Hijos del Nazareno, which objected to Vega’s Drag Efficiency in July 2023 by which he dressed as Jesus Christ and danced on a remix of “Ama Namin” (the Lord’s prayer). The group claimed that the legislation was “offensive and blasphemy.”

Manila is the situation of the annual competition of the Zwarte Nazarener, the place the custom is named the Traslación, or the switch of the black Nazarener from the unique location to the Quizo Church, is commemorated.

The court docket, whereas the inadequate proof was discovered to sentence, reminded Vega to be extra “regime” concerning the cultural and social context of their performances.

“This isn’t to restrict his freedom or rights, nor to manage his actions to belong to an assumed majority, however extra to be compassionate concerning the group as an entire, particularly with the accessibility of social media, making it straightforward to soak up supplies, to umen and flow into the destruction of the general public,” continued.

The court docket additionally ordered the return of the money bond of Vega, up to now of P72,000, which they initially positioned for his or her provisional freedom.

After the ruling, the Drag artist went to social media To specific gratitude. “Thanks for this excellent information,” they posted on X (previously Twitter). “One other case about it. Simply struggle.”

Vega got here below fireplace for varied movies that went on-line viral for her illustration of a jovial Christ in shiny robes. One of many movies confirmed them with a crown of golden rays on their heads, dancing and waving to a crowd of spectators who additionally took their video and dancing on a cheerful model of “Ama Namin” (the prayer of the Lord), thought of a sacred prayer by Catholics.

Vega was arrested in October 2023 after a number of complaints had been submitted to them due to the aforementioned efficiency. They spent three days in jail earlier than they had been launched on bail.

The Drag performer was additionally named Persona Non Grata in varied cities, together with Manila, Cebu and Normal Santos, after the controversy.

Aside from the truth that they don’t seem to be welcome in these native authorities items, Pagente can be confronted with prison prosecution initiated by the Philippines for Jesus Motion, a coalition of Christian teams. /EDV