Danish Protesters Rallied Before Tense Eurovision Semi

Ahead of the charged Eurovision semi-final in Malmö, Sweden, two opposing groups emerged: devoted fans and protesters against Israel’s participation due to the Gaza conflict. Danish demonstrators, who were transported to Sweden, began their protest on Thursday afternoon at Stortorget, with some waving Palestinian flags, not allowed inside Malmö Arena. The rally echoed calls for a free Palestine, sparked by anger at Israel’s actions in Gaza following the October attacks by the armed Palestinian movement Hamas. Despite expectations of 25,000 to 30,000 protesters, a Swedish officer observed far fewer present. Police maintained good contact with the organizers. Two to three individuals were barred from the square. A third protest was expected near Malmö Arena, where Israel’s Eden Golan performed a modified version of her song ‘Hurricane’ to avoid political references, along with Denmark’s representative Saba.