Protesters tried to enter the Eurovision village

Demonstrators tried to get into the Eurovision Village, Aftonbladet’s reporter on the scene says.

– Eurovision smells like blood, chanted the protesters.

This year’s “Eurovision Village” is held in Folkets-park in Malmö, where several events take place during Eurovision week.

The newspaper writes that a large number of police officers tried to stop them from entering. Photos from the scene show that the police are lined up in front of the entrance to the Eurovision village.

– Now they have sat down outside the entrance to Folkets Park, says the reporter.

The protesters have gradually moved away from the entrance and towards Möllevångstorget, the newspaper reports.

Demonstrators use megaphones and carry placards.

According to Expressen, the police task forces have carried away several people from the scene. Nine people have been taken care of by the police, and one person is said to have been arrested for breaking the knife law, according to Aftonbladet.

Since 4pm on Thursday, the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place. VG has met several of those who show dissatisfaction with Israel being allowed to participate in Eurovision.

– Israel cannot be allowed to participate. It will not be violent, we have a peaceful demonstration. I hope everyone follows the rules, said a spokesperson for the organization “Stop Israel”.

Expected demonstrations

On Thursday, there were a number of demonstrations in Malmö. Close to 30,000 are said to have taken part in the demonstration, both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine.

The biggest drama has not occurred, but some people have been expelled from various places.

Sweden has prepared for demonstrations on Thursday. Among other things, security measures have been put in place such as over 1,000 police officers in the streets, helicopters, armored cars and police boats. Bomb dogs are also used.

When it became known in March that Israel was allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, several people expressed that they did not want Israel’s participation – because of the war in Gaza.

The first contribution “October Rain” from Israel was also rejected by the organisers, as they thought the content was too political.