Protest in Sweden Against Israel’s Eurovision Participation
Hundreds Rally in Sweden Demanding Boycott of Israel in Eurovision Song Contest
Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demand a boycott of Israel in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Malmö, Sweden. The protesters announced that there will be two large demonstrations in Malmö on May 11 in response to Israel’s participation in the contest, with activists from all over Europe expected to attend.
The statement from the protesters highlighted the exclusion of Russia from last year’s Eurovision due to the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it hypocritical to include Israel, which they described as genocidal, in this year’s contest.
Nils Norling, Spokesperson for the Malmö Police Department, estimated that around 100 thousand demonstrators would come to the city for the protests. In preparation, extensive security measures will be put in place to prevent any incidents, and additional police teams from Norway and Denmark will be brought in for support.
In a separate announcement, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stated on May 2 that guests would not be allowed to bring in Palestinian flags to the Eurovision Song Contest. The controversial decision has sparked further outrage among activists and supporters of Palestine.
