'These protests should be everywhere!' Greta Thunberg speaks at pro-Palestine protest in Sweden ahead of second Eurovision semi-final

Greta Thunberg has arrived at a pro-Palestine protest in Sweden as the second semi-final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place later tonight

Reuters
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 09/05/2024

- 14:14

Updated: 09/05/2024

- 16:55

Around 100,000 visitors have gathered to protest against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza

Greta Thunberg has arrived at a pro-Palestine protest in Sweden as the second semi-final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place later tonight.

Thousands of campaigners have gathered in the southern Swedish city of Malmo to protest against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.


Speaking to reporters, Thunberg said: "These protests should be everywhere...once again young people are showing the world how to react".

Swedish authorities have heightened security and are bracing for possible unrest during Eurovision week.

Demonstrators flooded Sweden’s third largest city to call for a ban on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Police officers have been seen patrolling the streets of Malmo and the city's canals.

The song contest is already facing controversy over performers making political statements ahead of the final on Saturday.

It comes as Bambie Thug - representing Ireland - condemned organisers after they asked the performer to change a pro-Palestinian message.

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Eurovision describes itself as a non-political event and organisers have rejected calls to boycott Israel.

The Irish singer said a painted script in Ogham - a Medieval alphabet - translated to "ceasefire and freedom".

"It was very important for me because I'm pro justice and pro peace," they said.

"Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to 'crown the witch' only (which was an) order from the EBU."

Greta Thunberg

Speaking to reporters, Greta Thunberg said: 'These protests should be everywhere...once again young people are showing the world how to react'

Reuters

A spokesperson for the EBU said: "The writing seen on Bambie Thug's body during dress rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event.

"After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show."

Israeli contestant Golan, 20, says she hopes her performance will help unite people.

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