HASAt the start of the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, VRT unions briefly interrupted the broadcast of the program to protest the situation in the Middle East. A message was broadcast with a message of support for the Palestinian people.
“This is a union action. We condemn the human rights violations committed by the State of Israel. Additionally, the State of Israel is destroying press freedom. This is why we briefly interrupt the image. #CeaseFireNow StopGenocideNow,” it read.
ACOD-VRT defends this action. “For months we have watched with horror the events unfolding in the Middle East. We are convinced that the State of Israel is carrying out genocide and it is therefore scandalous that there is an Israeli entry to the Eurovision festival,” the union said.
“Doing nothing, just watching, is no longer an option. Israeli participation was authorized and we therefore decided to interrupt the broadcast. We hope to send a signal to the Israeli government to stop the fighting and killing, to allow international observers and the press, and to sit down at the negotiating table to find a solution.
Tension is at its height on Thursday in Malmö, because the Israeli candidate will sing this evening. Their participation is very controversial given the geopolitical situation. Earlier on Thursday, massive protests also took place in the Swedish city of Malmö.
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