On Thursday afternoon, Stortorget in Malmö was filled with thousands of demonstrators with Palestinian flags and posters.
They protest against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), which is held at the Malmö arena.
The whole city is full of police and helicopters have been circling the center throughout the day.
– There will be a lot of police in the city, says spokesperson for the police, Filip Annas, to TT.
The demonstrators gathered at Stortorget in Malmö from 3 p.m., before starting a march towards Mölleplatsen.
Greta Thunberg is in place in Malmö to demonstrate against Israel’s participation in Eurovision. Photo: Johan Nilsson / AP
One of those present is the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
– I am here to protest against Israel taking part in Eurovision, she says to the Swedish newspaper Expressen.
The demonstrators shouted slogans such as “long live Palestine”.
– Stop using Eurovision to whitewash Israel’s criminal acts, said one of the posters.
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There will also be a demonstration in support of Israel in the form of a music event at Davidshalstorg later in the afternoon. It is expected to start at 6 p.m.
The police have assessed that the demonstrations can be carried out, and Annas says that the police must ensure that there is no noise.
A fierce security apparatus has also been set in motion around Israel’s contribution to the singing competition. The artist Eden Golan will perform the song “Hurricane” for Israel in tonight’s semi-final. She takes the stage just before Norway’s hope, the band Gåte.
According to Aftonbladet, Golan is escorted to the arena followed by twelve cars, six motorcycles and one helicopter. In addition, heavily armed police stand around the artist’s hotel.
