Police in Malmo have cracked down on their security forces in anticipation of a thousand strong pro-Palestinian demonstration, adjacent to the Malmo arena later this afternoon ahead of the Eurovision grand final this evening.
The Swedish city has been dominated by pro-Palestinian demonstrations, as Israel's contestant Eden Golan has progressed through to the final stage of the singing contest.
Eurovision has faced widespread backlash over Israel's presence in the competition, despite the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Fans are calling for a ban on Israel from Eurovision after Russia was banned in 2022 following their invasion of Ukraine.
Israels Eurovision entry has been 'ordered to stay in her hotel room', GB News can reveal
Reuters / GB News
Reporting live from the arena in Malmo, GB News reporter Charlie Peters said there is a "significant security and police presence" in the area.
Charlie explained: "Armed police have been patrolling the area. We've even seen specialist counter-terrorism officers on motorbikes conducting their own patrols."
However, Charlie revealed that having spoke to Eurovision fans outside the arena who are attending the final this evening, they told GB News they are "not deterred" by the scenes building at the venue and are "not worried" about the "perceived terror threat".
Charlie said: "There is, in Sweden, a four out of five threat of a terrorist attack here in the country. Malmo in particular, has seen a sharp rise in grenade attacks in the last ten years."
Mass protests have kicked off in the city of Malmo ahead of Eurovision's grand final
Reuters
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Detailing the atmosphere in Malmo ahead of the competition's finale, Charlie claimed that the fans "did not want to talk" about Israel's entry Eden Golan, despite the 20-year-old singer being the "centre of controversy" during the contest.
Charlie added: "In the last 12 hours, we've seen more contestants speaking out and slighting the Israeli contestant. Last night, Bambie Thug, the Irish contestant, said that her team cried when Eden Golan was put through to the final.
"We also saw the Greek contestant shaking her head and rolling her eyes during a press conference."
When asked if there is a possibility that Israel may "do well" in the competition, Charlie admitted there seems to be "a lot of sympathy" for the Israeli singer in Malmo, as well as the protesters.
Israel's Eurovision entry Eden Golan has faced widespread criticism of her participation in the contest
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Charlie explained: "Eden Golan, according to her team, has been stuck in her hotel room and ordered to remain there by Shin Bet, which is Israel's MI5.
"The head of that organisation actually has flown into Sweden to manage her security arrangements while she's in the country. One thing is for certain is that she will, when he arrives at this venue later today, be attending with a ginormous security convoy."
Ahead of the final tonight, Netherlands entry Joost Klein has been banned from taking part in the event, it has been confirmed.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has said in a statement: "Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final."
"While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest."
