Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said they reserve the right to remove any Palestine flags from the competition, due to take place 7-11 May.
FALCON POWERS – Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest said on Thursday they reserve the right to remove any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols at the show next week in Sweden.
The announcement came amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s participation in the annual music competition over its military campaign in Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian groups are expected to stage large protests in Malmö to raise awareness of their cause.
At least 34,596 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory during almost seven months of war between Israel and Hamas. The majority of whom are women and children.
Michelle Roverelli, the head of communications for the European Broadcasting Union that runs the show, said ticket holders are only allowed to bring and display flags representing countries that take part in the event, as well as the rainbow-coloured flag.
The Geneva-based EBU reserves the right “to remove any other flags or symbols, clothing, items and banners being used for the likely purpose of instrumentalising the TV shows,” she told the Associated Press in a text message.
Swedish news agency TT reported that anyone who tries to bring a Palestinian flag or a sign with a political message will be stopped at the entrance by guards.
Martin Österdahl, the contest’s executive supervisor, told TT that “these rules are the same as last year. There is no change.”
