Security for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, will be tight due to potential unrest and terrorism threats, according to police. Pro-Palestinian activists are planning rallies in downtown Malmo, advocating for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision. Sweden has elevated its terror threat level to “high” last year due to escalating security concerns, including protests over Quran burnings. Security will be tight during the contest, with demonstrations that could lead to unrest and a heightened threat of terrorism in the Scandinavian country.
Last year Sweden heightened its terror threat level one notch to “high” amid a deteriorating security situation following recent burnings of the Quran that triggered protests in the Muslim world. An application to stage a demonstration in Malmo to burn a copy of the Quran before the song contest had been handed in. There is no law in Sweden specifically prohibiting the burning or desecration of religious texts, as freedom of expression is upheld strongly in the country. Swedish police will receive reinforcements from across the country as well as from neighboring countries to ensure the safety of the event.
Pro-Palestinian activists have planned two large demonstrations to protest Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, as conflict in the Middle East threatens to overshadow the feel-good pop music festival. Activists and some musicians have urged the European Broadcasting Union, the event organizer, to drop Israel from the event over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza. EBU Deputy Director General Jean Philip De Tender expressed opposition to online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at artists or individuals associated with the contest.
Launched in 1956 to foster unity after World War II, Eurovision has become a campy, feel-good celebration of pop music with an audience of hundreds of millions around the world. It has grown to include almost 40 countries, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia. Despite efforts to keep politics out of the contest, some controversies have arisen. For example, Russia has been banned since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Sweden won last year’s contest with the power ballad “Tattoo” by singer Loreen, and will host this year’s event in Malmo.
Malmo, Sweden’s third largest city, hosted Eurovision in 1992 and 2013. The live televised final is scheduled for May 11, with semi-finals on May 7 and May 9. Police have confirmed that security will be rigorous during the event, with potential demonstrations and a heightened threat of terrorism. The Swedish police will work with reinforcements from across the country, as well as from neighboring Norway and Denmark, to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees. As the contest approaches, tensions may rise due to political controversies surrounding Israel’s participation and activists’ calls for exclusion.
