From Eric Saade to Ireland’s Bambie Thug, protests have taken place on stage as authorities in the Swedish city of Malmö are on high alert with the second semi-final taking place today.
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Swedish police assured fans need not worry about the safety of the Eurovision Song Contest this year, despite increased tensions due to the conflict in Gaza.
However, the competition remains overshadowed by protests against the participation of Israel, due to the war that the Jewish state is waging against Hamas.
Authorities in Malmö are on alert as the second semi-final takes place today and an influx of some 100,000 fans is expected, as well as tens of thousands of pro-protesters. Palestinians.
Protests are planned today and Saturday against the war between Israel and Hamas.
Palestinian flags were prohibited inside the Malmö Arena, while the former Swedish Eurovision candidate, Eric Saade, whose father is of Palestinian descent, wore a traditional keffiyeh on opening night. This 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 televised spectacle. All artists are informed of the competition rules and we regret that Eric Saade has chosen to compromise the apolitical nature of the event.”
This isn’t the only controversy that has taken place on stage.
Bambie Thugwho represents Ireland and qualified for Saturday’s grand final, criticized organizers for asking them to change a pro-Palestinian message before their performance in the first semi-final.
The artist told a press conference that he was forced to change an inscription painted on his body before his semi-final performance. The writing, translated from the medieval Ogham alphabet, read: “Ceasefire and freedom.”
“Unfortunately I had to change these messages today to ‘crown the witch’ only (by order of the EBU)”.
An EBU spokesperson said: “The markings visible on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals were contrary to the rules of the competition which aim to protect the apolitical nature of the event. After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to modify the text to the live show”.
The singer representing Israel in the sights of demonstrators
Eden Golan, 20 years old, would indeed have been confined to her hotel room when it did not occur, due to a real risk to his safety.
She will make her debut in the second semi-final this Thursday and was reportedly greeted with both boos and cheers during a dress rehearsal.
In a statement, Golan said: “I am proud to represent my country, especially this year. I am receiving support and love and I am determined to give my best in the semi-final and nothing will deter me from achieving that goal!”
Before Golan’s performance, the Israeli Foreign Ministry released a message on X: “We are incredibly proud of Eden Golan for representing our country at Eurovision. She is not only an exceptional artist, but also a symbol of strength and resilience. We love you Eden and our entire country is rooting for you” .
Last week, Israel issued a warning to its nationals wanting to travel to Sweden, highlighting a “well-founded fear” that terrorists would target Israelis participating in the competition. Sweden had already been placed at a terror level of four out of five and the head of Israel’s security agency, the Shin Bet, led a delegation of officials from the Personal Protection Department to Malmö to coordinate security measures. .
The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place this Thursday, before the grand final this Saturday, May 11.
