Police today dispersed a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters who had gathered around the Malmö Arena, the venue in the city of Malmö where the final of the Eurovision music contest is being held, Agence France-Presse reported.
More than 100 protesters waved flags to the beat of “Freedom in Palestine” slogans. Some wore Palestinian headscarves, some wrapped around their faces.
“It seems they have the authority to be more aggressive than usual,” Sarah, a 45-year-old resident of Malmö, told AFP, referring to the city’s police. “I’ve never seen this before.”
BREAKING:
Happening right now in Malmo, Sweden.
Absolutely MASSIVE pro-Palestine protest opposing Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
🇵🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/fftKqQgNZU
— sarah (@sahouraxo) May 11, 2024
Police, who confirmed they used tear gas, tried to push the protesters back to a square where a pro-Palestinian rally has been licensed.
“They threw tear gas in my face, they pushed me,” Sarah Beau, 26, told AFP, showing her bloodshot eyes.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg was among them but stayed out of the fray. She and members of her organization sat down in a circle, surrounded by police.
MASSIVE protest in Poland yesterday against the EU climate agenda.
Protesters included farmers, miners and other workers.
SHARE – Did you hear about this on the news? 🇵🇱👇pic.twitter.com/Td0dT9mYp5
— PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) May 11, 2024
Today in Sweden!
People flood the streets of Malmo in MASSIVE numbers to protest against Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/YtlqweYuOv
— sarah (@sahouraxo) May 11, 2024
In the afternoon, around 5,000 people marched peacefully in the city, home to the majority of Sweden’s population of Palestinian origin, to protest Israel’s participation in the music competition.
#Eurovision #Tensions #police #proPalestinian #protesters #venue #Eurovision #final #Video
