“Eurovision” is shaken by a scandal: the organizers also spoke – MadeinVilnius.lt

The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest apologized on Wednesday after a Swedish singer wore a pro-Palestinian symbol during the first semi-final, in breach of a ban on political symbols.

Eric Saade’s opening performance turned out to be one of the most controversial shows of Tuesday night in Malmö, Sweden.

This year’s Eurovision is taking place against the background of the war between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

E. Saade, whose father comes from a Palestinian family, tied a scarf called a keffiyeh, a Palestinian and Arab symbol, on his arm during the performance. He warned before the show that he wanted to express his protest that Israel was allowed to participate in this year’s competition.

Swedish broadcaster SVT and the other main Eurovision organizers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), condemned his gesture.

“It’s unfortunate that he took advantage of his participation in this way,” SVT’s executive producer of the competition, Ebba Adielson, told AFP.

The tattoos of Bambie Thug (Bembi Tag) from Ireland – the phrases “ceasefire” and “freedom for Palestine” written on the body in the ancient Celtic ogamic script were also noticed by the EBU.

Bambie Thug confirmed at a press conference that he had changed these signs to “crown the witch” – the slogan of the Irish show – at the behest of the organisers.

Ireland is among the ten countries that reached the final on Saturday.

After not making it into the top ten, Fred Leone, who danced in the Australian performance, shared on the Instagram social network that he managed to express support for the Palestinians on stage.

He claimed to have tattooed the watermelon symbol on his body, which has become associated with support for the Palestinians because it matches the colors of their flag.

Before the contest, some contestants called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and criticized Israel, but were asked not to make any political statements during Eurovision.

Israel’s Eden Golan has reportedly been told to spend as much time as possible in a hotel room in Malmö ahead of Thursday’s second semi-final due to security concerns.

Organizers also warn that demonstrations are planned in Malmö to demand the removal of Israel from the list of participants.

Before the competition, Swedish police warned that security would be stepped up, saying the threat of terrorism had increased in the affluent northern European country.

A week before the first semi-final, the city’s police force has been bolstered by counterparts from Norway and Denmark, with officers more heavily armed than usual.

Editor Rūta Androshiūnaitė