11 May 2024 , 20:36
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The Eurovision Song Contest was plunged into further turmoil when protesters shouting ‘free Palestine’ and ‘shame on you’ clashed with police outside the venue.
Several of the demonstrators, who are calling for a boycott of the competition due to Israel’s Eden Golan being in the contest, were taken away by officers.
It comes after Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug missed their final dress rehearsal and accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break.
And the Netherlands entry Joost Klein was disqualified following a ‘threatening movement’ from the singer towards a camerawoman, Dutch broadcasters said.
Trains at Hyllie, the station right outside the arena, were temporarily suspended – reportedly to prevent more protesters joining the more than 15,000 who had already descended on the venue.
Swedish police have also been rounding up pro-Palestine protesters.
Police carrying away Pro-Palestinian protester opposing Israel’s participation (Picture: Shutterstock)
Climate activist Greta Thunberg is removed by police during a protest rally outside Malmo Arena (Picture: AP)
They included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was photographed being detained.
Videos posted online show marchers chanting ‘free Palestine’ and ‘shame on you’ being led away by officers.
Clashes have also taken place between police and protesters refusing to be moved away as the grand finale draws near.
Eurovision organisers, who always bill the annual event as non-political, have resisted calls to exclude Israel.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators sit with Palestinian flags and placards (Picture: AFP via Getty)
A pro-Palestinian demonstrator protests against the participation of Israeli contestant Eden Golan ahead of the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (Picture: AP)
Protesters attend a rally against the participation of Israel (Picture: EPA)
Eden Golan (middle) representing Israel with the song ‘Hurricane’ qualifies for the final (Picture: AFP via Getty)
But they requested the lyrics of Golan’s song be changed to remove what organisers called references to the deadly Hamas attack on October 7 that triggered the war.
The 20-year-old performer, who was forced to stay in her hotel room amid fears she may be targeted by pro-Palestine protesters, was escorted by dozens of officers in a huge convoy ahead of tonight’s final.
A large crowd of protesters gathered on the central square of the Swedish host city before marching towards the contest venue, waving Palestinian flags and shouting ‘Eurovision united by genocide’- a twist on the contest’s official slogan ‘United by music’.
One protester, who gave her name only as Maryam, said: “It’s important to show, like, we are going to stand on the right side for everyone.
‘This could be any other country and we would still be standing here because this is about children, men and women who have been occupied for so many years.’