On-stage protests and anti-Israel demonstrations cast a shadow over Eurovision 2024

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Swedish police have assured that fans do not need to worry about security at the Eurovision Song Contest this year, despite increased tensions due to the conflict in Gaza.

However, the competition continues to be overshadowed by protests against Israel’s participation due to the ongoing war.

Authorities in Malmö are on high alert as the second semi-final takes place today and a turnout of around 100,000 Eurovision fans is expected, along with tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters.

Demonstrations are planned today and Saturday against the war between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinian flags were prohibited on the Malmö Arena grounds, as former Swedish Eurovision contestant, Eric Saade, whose father is of Palestinian origin, wore a traditional Middle Eastern keffiyeh scarf during the opening performance. The scarf has become an international symbol of pro-Palestinian sentiment.

A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live television spectacle. All artists are informed of the rules of the contest and we regret that Eric Saade has chosen to compromise the non-political nature of the contest. event”.

This was not the only controversy on stage.

Bambi Thugwho represents Ireland and qualified for Saturday’s grand final, criticized organizers for asking them to change a pro-Palestinian message before his performance in the first semi-final.

The artist said during a press conference that he had been forced to change the writing painted on his body before performing in the semi-final. The script, translated from the medieval Ogham alphabet, read: “Ceasefire and freedom.”

“Unfortunately, today I had to change these messages to ‘crown the witch’, which was an order from the EBU.”

An EBU spokesperson stated: “The writing seen on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals breached the contest rules, which are intended to protect the non-political nature of the event. After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show”.

Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, 20, has been confined to your hotel room while it does not act, due to heightened security concerns.

Eden Golan, 20, was confined to her hotel room while not performing due to safety concerns. Her debut will be in today’s second semi-final and will have been met with boos and applause during a dress rehearsal.

In a statement, Golan said: “I’m proud to represent my country, especially this year. I’m receiving support and affection and I’m determined to do my best in the semi-final and nothing will stop me from that goal!”

Before Golan’s performance, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X: “We are incredibly proud of Eden Golan, who is representing our country at Eurovision. She is not just an exceptional performer, but a symbol of strength and resilience . We love you Eden and our whole country is rooting for you.”

Last week, Israel raised its travel warning for the southern Swedish city, citing “a well-founded fear” that terrorists could have targeting Israelis participating in the contest. Sweden was already at a terror level of four out of five, and the head of the Israeli security agency Shin Bet led a delegation of employees from the VIP protection department to Malmö to coordinate security measures.

The second semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest take place on Thursday 9 May, before the grand final on Saturday 11 May.