The organization of the Eurovision Song Contest refuses to broadcast a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the final in Liverpool on Saturday. The European Broadcasting Union wants to avoid turning it into a political event.
Zelensky wanted to ask for support in the war in Ukraine in a video, but his request was denied by the EBU. “One of the pillars of the competition is its non-political character. This principle excludes the possibility of making political or similar statements during the competition,” said the organizer, according to the British newspaper. The Times.
“Mr Zelensky’s request to address the public at the Eurovision Song Contest was submitted with good intentions, but unfortunately cannot be granted as it would be against the rules of the event.”
The EBU decided last year, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, that Russia was not allowed to participate. The organizer stated at the time that participation by the country could “discredit” the competition. Several countries had put pressure on the Eurovision organizers and said they would not come if Russia was also allowed to come.
Ukraine should actually host the Eurovision Song Contest due to last year’s win. Because of the war, the United Kingdom took over the organization.
2023-05-12 08:17:50
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