Increase in Security Measures at Eurovision Song Contest Due to Pro-Palestine Demonstrations

Security measures for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, have been tightened by law enforcement officials due to concerns over potential unrest and an increased terrorism threat in the region.

According to Swedish broadcaster TV4, Petra Stenkula, head of the police area in Malmo, emphasized the thorough security preparations.

Ms. Stenkula highlighted the need for reinforcements from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark to address preventative concerns, although specific details on these reinforcements were not disclosed.

She also mentioned the challenge posed by the elevated terror threat level in the country, indicating the inability to transfer all police officers from various parts of Sweden during the song contest.

Sweden raised its terror threat level to “high” last year in response to a deteriorating security situation following incidents like Quran burnings that sparked protests. It’s worth noting that Sweden does not have a specific law prohibiting the burning or desecration of religious texts.

Despite the distance from the venue, pro-Palestinian activists are planning large-scale demonstrations in downtown Malmo.

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Adding to the tense atmosphere, police unveiled plans for a demonstration involving Quran burning, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Some activists and musicians have called for Israel’s exclusion from the contest due to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel in October.

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European Broadcasting Union’s deputy director general, Jean Philip De Tender, acknowledged the strong emotions around this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. He reiterated the organization’s support for free speech and opposition to online abuse directed at artists participating in the contest.

Originally created to promote unity after World War II, Eurovision has become a global celebration of pop music, expanding to include nearly 40 countries, including non-European nations like Israel and Australia.

While efforts are made to keep the event non-political, politics sometimes influence the contest, as evidenced by Russia’s exclusion in 2022 after invading Ukraine.

Last year’s contest was won by Loreen from Sweden. The live final is set for May 11, with semifinals on May 7 and May 9.

Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city, previously hosted Eurovision in 1992 and 2013.

The Epoch Times contacted Malmo Police for a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.