Armed police have been stationed outside Israeli singer Eden Golan’s hotel as Swedish authorities set up a steel ring in Malmo ahead of her appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest final.
Dozens of officers patrolled the streets surrounding the hotel, carrying out identity checks on car drivers and pedestrians and also patrolling the city center following demands by pro-Palestinian protesters that it be excluded from the competition.
Most of those staying at the hotel are members of Israel’s Eurovision delegation and anyone entering is asked to provide a valid reason and show identification documents.
A large Stop Israel demonstration is planned for Saturday in central Malmo, when the final takes place, while around 10,000 people attended a protest on Thursday against Israel’s participation in the famous song contest.
The roads around the Malmo Arena, where Saturday’s final will take place, have already been closed and armed officers are patrolling the area. Concrete barriers have also been placed around the site along with special bomb security barriers amid concerns it could be the target of a terrorist attack.
Armed police have been stationed outside Israeli singer Eden Golan’s hotel as Swedish authorities installed steel fencing in Malmo ahead of her appearance.
Armed police guard hotels where artists are staying Extra security in Malmo ahead of Eurovision Grand Final
It has been revealed that officials from Israel’s national security agency, the Shin Bet, visited Malmo last week to review security arrangements for Eden and other members of his team.
Police use pepper spray and fight against pro-Palestinian protesters in central Malmo during the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.
Only flags representing participating countries will be permitted, as well as flags with rainbow colors.
It has been revealed that officials from Israel’s national security agency, the Shin Bet, visited Malmo last week to review security arrangements for Eden and other members of his team, who are at the center of intense international attention.
He was warned not to leave his hotel room except for performances he had been performing under armed guard and with Swedish police escorts accompanying the vehicle in which he was travelling.
Organizers have announced that additional screening will be carried out on those attending the final at the 12,000-capacity Malmo Arena and any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols will be removed.
Only flags representing participating countries will be permitted, as well as flags with rainbow colors.
An official told MailOnline: ‘We are taking the safety of Eden and all the other contestants very seriously but obviously; the attention is focused on her. This is one of the largest security operations ever mounted in Malmo.
An official told MailOnline: ‘We are taking the safety of Eden and all the other contestants very seriously but obviously; the attention is focused on her
“This is one of the largest security operations ever mounted in Malmo,” the official added.
Road blocks around Malmo stadium
‘The whole world will be watching and we do not want this high-profile event to be hijacked by those who are trying to highlight Israel’s war against Hamas. This has nothing to do with this competition.’
Thursday’s pro-Palestine rally was attended by climate activist Greta Thunberg, who said: “Young people are leading the way and showing the world how we should react to this.”
During the demonstrations, smoke canisters in the colors of the Palestinian flag were released and protesters, some of whom carried dogs, small children and bicycles, carried signs with images of Gazan civilians who have been injured amid the conflict between Hamas. and Israel. .
Other banners displayed messages including “welcome to the genocide song contest” and “stop using Eurovision to cover up Israeli crimes.”
Later that night, a crowd of around 300 people attempted to break into the Eurovision Village, which has been set up in Malmo’s Folkets Park for a series of events and where the final will be broadcast on giant screens.
Swedish police revealed they made eight arrests, including one for possession of a knife.
During the demonstrations, smoke canisters in the colors of the Palestinian flag were released and protesters
Later that night, a crowd of around 300 people attempted to storm the Eurovision Village that had been set up in Malmo’s Folkets Park.
Despite the political controversy surrounding Eurovision, thousands of fans have flooded Malmo to attend the competition, insisting it has not deterred them from enjoying the occasion.
“We’re not worried about the protests because we’re from Liverpool and we’ve seen much worse. For us, it’s all about the music,” said one woman.
Despite the political controversy surrounding Eurovision, thousands of fans have flooded Malmo to attend the competition, insisting it has not deterred them from enjoying the occasion.
Members of Liverpool’s Over the Water Choir were in the city to perform a series of Eurovision hits for fans in public venues.
Heather Tomlinson told MailOnline: “We’re not worried about the protests because we’re from Liverpool and we’ve seen much worse.” For us, it’s all about music.
‘This wonderful competition brings together people from all kinds of backgrounds. I support the right to protest, but my heart goes out to Eden. You’re getting ready to perform on what will be the biggest night of your life and you must be finding it hard to concentrate because of what’s going on.
Choir member Yvonne Sharples said: “We are here to represent Liverpool and England.” I don’t think we should let what’s going on in the world interfere with what is a fantastic musical event. “It should unite us, not divide us.”
Therese Ryan, who had traveled from Milton Keynes, said: “It’s really important to keep politics out of what’s happening here.” People just want to have a good time and many of us have opinions about the situation in Israel, but this is not the place to discuss them.’