As of: May 9, 2024 7:22 p.m
No public party mile, a number of violent demonstrators and a large police presence: there is little sign of exuberant joy at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö these days.
Life in the city has changed for the Jewish population since October 7, 2023. In the synagogue – a center of encounters – security measures are high. Employees carry hidden attack detectors and there are surveillance cameras everywhere. Even before the ESC, there were significantly more anti-Semitic incidents in the city than in other Swedish cities, reports ARD Scandinavia correspondent Sofie Donges. Malmö has 362,133 inhabitants, people from 186 nations live in the country’s third largest city – including many people of Palestinian descent.
Demonstration against Israel before the second semi
The fact that Israel is part of the ESC has been causing a lot of protest for months. It is now known that two large demos against Israel will take place during the ESC week, each with an estimated 10,000 participants. Before the second semi-final, thousands of people peacefully protested against Israel’s participation in Malmö, including activist Greta Thunberg. They called for Israel to be excluded from the contest. However, with around 5,000 participants, the number was well below the city’s expectations, which had expected around 30,000 demonstrators.
AUDIO: Concern in Malmö about possible riots at the ESC (4 min)
Burning of the Koran shortly before the start of the celebrations
Activist Jade Sandberg holds a cross in the air while burning a Koran.
A day before the start of the celebrations on Saturday, a man and a woman burned a Koran in Malmö city center. This was seen on Friday in a video that was shown live on the TikTok platform. A Palestinian flag was also burned during the action near two ESC venues. There was criticism of the Swedish police for allowing the Koran to be burned so shortly before the music event.
Large police contingent in action around the ESC
Everyday scene in Malmö: Danish and Swedish police patrolling in front of the arena. Dogs search hotels and other buildings.
Sweden’s police have responded to the general security situation: officers are present in the city with a large contingent, reinforcements have been requested from Denmark and Norway. A public party mile has already been canceled. Events related to the ESC should only take place in closed areas where bags are taboo.
“You will see police officers equipped with the usual weapons, but also with heavier weapons,” said Police Chief Petra Stenkulla. People in Sweden and Malmö are not used to this, but the police have to take precautionary measures to be prepared for a “serious incident”.
Sweden has the second highest terror alert level
Because the security people have another topic on their agenda: the threat of terrorism. Since last summer, Swedes have increased the terror alert level to four – the second highest in the country. The reason: an increased risk of attacks by Islamists after the Koran was burned in Sweden. Since then, several attacks have apparently been foiled. In Brussels Last October, a suspected Islamist managed to apparently deliberately kill two Swedish football fans. But the security forces also emphasize: There is no increased threat to the ESC and Malmö.
Terrorism expert: “It could get really chaotic”
“The city of Malmö and the ESC could face a cocktail of problems,” says terrorism expert and political scientist Magnus Ranstorp. “Demonstrators will try to block delegations’ routes to the venues, small violent groups such as Antifa will try to confront the police and others.” So it could get really chaotic and possibly violent. It is difficult to predict.
No Palestinian flags and symbols at the ESC finals
There are stickers condemning Israel’s participation in many places in the city. Swedish police have banned Israeli music fans from cheering on their artists with blue and white national flags; Demonstrations are prohibited near the venue. The Israeli delegation should only leave their hotel rooms in Malmö for their performances. Shortly before the final week, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) tightened a travel warning for the Swedish city. The warning applies to the ESC competition from May 7th to 11th.
Further information
Despite many protests, Israel made it to the final. The ESC in Malmö is characterized by political messages and demonstrations. more
ESC organizers reserve the right to remove Palestinian flags and symbols from the finals of the singing competition. Anyone who bought a ticket for the event in Malmö, Sweden, was only allowed to bring flags of the participating countries or the rainbow flag, said spokeswoman for the organizer, the European Broadcasting Union, Michelle Roverelli.
More than 100,000 visitors expected in Malmö
Calm before the storm?: Malmö awaits many peaceful music fans. But the city also has to prepare for demonstrations.
So far, the security situation has been “extremely stable,” assured the ESC production manager of the Swedish television station SVT, Ebba Adielsson. What scares her most so far is that “people are too afraid” to come to the ESC. More than 100,000 visitors are expected in Malmö during ESC week.
There is also protection for the Swedish ESC participants Marcus and Martinus – they are accompanied by security personnel. Some Swedish artists have already canceled their appearances in the accompanying program. The pressure was apparently too great for some on social media. There can be no talk of exuberant anticipation of the ESC these days.
Further information
According to Swedish media, Crown Princess Victoria plans to attend a show with her family – if the security situation allows it. more
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in the second week of May. A total of 37 countries and their acts will compete in Malmö. more
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The first | Eurovision Song Contest 2024 | May 11, 2024 | 9:00 p.m