Scandalous decision by Eurovision: Palestinian flag banned
The organizing committee of the Eurovision contest has banned the Palestinian flag at the contest in Malmo, Switzerland, May 7-11
Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest stated Thursday they reserve the right to remove any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols at the show next week in Sweden. Pro-Palestinian groups are expected to stage large protests in Malmo to raise awareness of their cause.
Michelle Roverelli, the head of communications for the European Broadcasting Union that runs the show each year, emphasized ticket buyers are only allowed to bring and display flags that represent countries that take part in the event, as well as the rainbow-colored flag.
Swedish news agency TT declared that anyone who tries to bring a Palestinian flag or a sign with a political message will be stopped at the entrance by guards.
Martin Osterdahl, the contest’s Executive Supervisor told TT that “these rules are the same as last year. There is no change.”
National flags are a common sight during the contest as fans cheer on their country’s acts and those they support.
The glitzy gala, which draws hundreds of millions of viewers each year, is hosting the event from May 7-11 in Malmo, Sweden, following last year’s victory by Loreen for its performance of “Tattoo” last year.
Winners earn the right for their country to host the following year’s event: Sweden is set to host for a record-setting 7th time.
Swedish police have warned that security will be tight, citing a threat of terrorism in the wealthy Nordic country.
Pro-Palestinian activists who want Israel — a former winner — out of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced large rallies in downtown Malmo, several kilometers (miles) from the Malmo Arena contest venue.
Last month Swedish police said they had received an application for a demonstration in Malmo to burn a copy of the Quran before the contest. Sweden raised its terror threat level last year following a series of burnings of the Quran that triggered protests in the Muslim world.
In recent weeks, spillover reaction around the world to the nearly 7-month war between Israel and Hamas has fanned large protests on U.S. university campuses and beyond.
Source: AP
