Eurovision this year in the shadow of protests and threats – warns of the risks of terrorism / Article

Eurovision also has a political edge this year, and it’s quite sharp. This is due to Israel’s participation in the competition at a time when it continues its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. There have even been calls to boycott Eurovision this year or to prevent Israel’s representative from participating. Edena Golan also had to change the song – the originally submitted song “October rain” was considered too political by the organizers.

With a different song, but Golan has arrived in Malmö. The 20-year-old singer has been told she cannot leave her hotel room for security reasons. Except to perform or attend official Eurovision events.

“I never thought that we would become such a political event on the world stage. I don’t know if I’m expecting 100 thousand people anymore,” said the managing director of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Karin Karlsson.

“The government is issuing warnings so that nothing happens. At the same time, there are more policemen, in recent months we have seen a lot more law enforcement officers. There are even security guards on the streets. I feel quite safe, I don’t think anything will happen,” said Tommy Mohtari, the owner of a local restaurant.

“I have mixed feelings about Eurovision, but I hope everything will be fine,” Malmö resident Emma hoped.

The organizers of Eurovision have announced that it will be forbidden to bring Palestinian flags into the venue. Ticket holders may bring and display only the flags of the countries represented on stage. Rainbow colored flags are also allowed. While performances and rehearsals are taking place inside the arena, there are many cameras, fencing and armed police outside.

“The security situation is serious. There is a high threat of terrorism. Sweden is named as an Islamophobic country. We take into account that the violent Islamist environment identifies Sweden not only as a legitimate but also a priority target,” reported Fredrik Hallström, operations manager of the Swedish Security Service.

The Swedish police have expressed that they are ready to ensure order and have even asked for additional forces. The city has become almost a fortress these days, several protest actions are also planned.

“We expect twenty to forty thousand demonstrators to come to Malmö. This demonstration will be very big. Protesters are coming not only from Sweden, but from all over Europe,” said local activist Nabil.

“All over Malmö, there are a lot of police on the ground. Not only additional forces have arrived from all over Sweden, but also from Denmark and Norway. We are also using drones so that everything can be seen better,” said Jimmy Modin, the representative of the Swedish police.

“We are advised to hide Jewish symbols. Do not wear a necklace with a Star of David or a yarmulke. And here we have to take many security measures. The Jewish institutions here in Malmö are very heavily guarded,” explained a representative of the local Jewish community.

Israeli authorities issued a travel warning to its citizens last week against Malmö. There are fears that terrorists will target Israelis attending Eurovision.