Watch: Hundreds gather in Sweden to protest against Israel’s Eurovision participation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Watch as people gathered in Stortorget, Stockholm, to protest against Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
The second semi-final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest took place in Malmo, Sweden, on Thursday 9 May, with Israel’s performance expected to draw attention.
Some 100,000 visitors have gathered in the southern Swedish city for the annual event, which is taking place amid protests and boycotts over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s 7 October attack.
Swedish authorities have heightened security and are bracing for possible unrest during Eurovision week.
Police officers have been seen patrolling the streets of Malmo and, from water scooters, the city’s canals.
Metal barricades and large concrete blocks have been put up around Malmo Arena, which is hosting the competition, with police guarding the venue and checking visitors’ bags.
Visitors have to pass through metal detectors before entering the arena, and are only allowed to bring small purses into the venue.
Thursday’s semi-final features two of the favourites to win, Switzerland’s Nemo with the song “The Code” and Joost Klein of the Netherlands with the song “Europapa”, as well as outsider Eden Golan of Israel with her song “Hurricane”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments