Eurovision 2024 | Extensive security deployment for Eurovision: reinforcements arrive from several countries

The Eurovision Song Contest returns for another year to celebrate European music in the Swedish city malmo, traditional last sunday turquoise rugIn which representatives of each country faced public scrutiny for the first time.

However, there was one country that decided to abstain: israel, This version is surrounded by a strong controversy from the left participate the country in the music competition on the occasion of war in gaza, In fact, these conditions have made the city Blind someone to avoid this week the strokes or any event that may affect the competition.

He Discussion With most fans of Eurovision Israeli involvement Festival organizers have been alerted that “focus of protest“Against a Middle Eastern country (Malmö has a high concentration of Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi and Iranian immigrants).

security increased

Faced with this situation, some have been adopted more security measures Much more than what has been normal. Swedish authorities have established a mass deployment of agents All over the city, together reinforcement coming from other parts of swedenOf denmark And norwayAs reported by Efe agency.

Furthermore, there will be special control measures In this Malmö ArenaThe place where the three concerts of the music competition will be held, and in “Eurovision Village”Located in the central ‘Folkets Park’ and where different activities With over 100,000 Euro fans attending the festival.

There will be different parts of central Malmö cut traffic there will be many more drone who will implement aerial surveillance throughout the city.

Demonstration and burning of Quran

The platform holds ‘Stop Israel for Peace and Free Palestine’ called two big demonstrations For this in the center of Malmö ThursdaySemifinals in which Israel will participate, and for Saturday, day of the Eurovision Grand Final. Authorities have speculated that they may have joined the protests. 20,000 peoplewhich will match with a Pro-Israel counter-demonstration In another part of the city.

There have already been many in these days before Eurovision burning the Quran in publicThe Islamic holy book, and some individuals have asked for permission to do it again in the coming days.

This is not the first time that these demonstrations have taken place in the country. Swedish police have already banned such acts Last year due to security reasons a quran burning waveBut the measures were eventually struck down by appeals courts Freedom of expression And performance.

boycott israel

The military campaign launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip has brought out the most political side of Eurovision and has also created many bellincluding the artist signature Those who are participating this year are asking expulsion from the country of the festival, in the same way as was done Russia Because of the war in Ukraine.

Many Swedish singers have resigned from being part of the festival program and Malmö. Furthermore, it is put pressure on the municipal government Against Israel’s participation in Eurovision, and are forced to remember that it is the European Broadcasting Union that chooses the contestants.

Israeli officials have warned of possible Islamist attacks against Israelis attending the festivities. In 2009, Malmö already hosted the qualifying round. davis cup between tennis Sweden and Israelwhat had to be done closed doors and no peopleout of fear of the possible Terrorist attacksWhich could not prevent protests outside the sports venue and clashes between protesters and police.