Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march in Sweden against Israel’s Eurovision appearance
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Malmö, Sweden
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.Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have taken to the streets of Malmö to protest against Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The competition’s second semi-final is taking place today (9 May) in the Swedish port city.
Demonstrators have called for other countries to boycott the contest over Israel’s offensive in Gaza following Hamas’s 7 October attack.
Police estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 people took part in today’s demonstration, which saw Palestinian flags being waved through the historic Stortorget square. Among those in the crowd was the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
“It’s important to be here,” Amani Eli-Ali, a Malmo resident of Palestinian heritage, told AP. “It’s not OK for Sweden to arrange this Eurovision and have Israel in the contest.”
Protester Saadallah Aoudi, a Swedish citizen with Palestinian roots, added that “this is the wrong time” for Israel to take part in the competition.
“It’s about songs, and songs are about love. … They should be here when there is peace,” he said.
A smaller pro-Israel protest was also held in a central Malmo square.
Pro-Palestinian groups say they plan to march again on Saturday, the day of the Eurovision final.
Israel’s Eurovision entry, Eden Golan, was booed during a dress rehearsal on Wednesday. She was met with chants of “Free Palestine” and jeers by some members of the crowd.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has allowed Israel to enter this year’s song contest, despite the country’s ongoing attacks on Gaza.
The Palestinian death toll is believed to have reached 34,000 people.
Golan, 20, has told ITV News that she could not have asked “for a better year to be representing my country”.
Ahead of the protests, BBC presenter Rylan came to the defence of Eurovision.
Speaking from Malmö, Rylan, who is hosting the BBC’s coverage alongside Graham Norton and Scott Mills, told ITV’s Good Morning Britain that the city is doing “an amazing job of hosting”.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“The climate in the world at the minute isn’t great and you know we’re not silly to not understand that there’s a lot going on in the world, but I think in the Eurovision bubble it’s a song contest, it’s all about the music and that’s what we’re here for,” said the 35-year-old.
“The city has done an amazing job, there’s a lot of demonstrations happening and people have got the right to do that, but it’s just about the music.”
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments