“In 2022, Russia was excluded from the Eurovision song contest after the invasion of Ukraine. We expect both the EBU and SVT to be consistent in their stance towards countries that violate democratic values and human rights,” write the artists behind the appeal.
Among those who signed the petition are Anna Ternheim, Eric Saade, Peg Parnevik, Robyn, Mauro Scocco, Silvana Imam, Timbuktu, Sabina Ddumba, Viagra Boys, Newkid, Petra Marklund, Daniel Adams-Ray, Malena Ernman, Marit Bergman and Miriam Bryant.
There have previously been protests about Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision song contest from several quarters. But despite the criticism, the organizer EBU has announced that it is not the case to exclude the country.
The EBU has previously justified its stance by saying that the Eurovision song contest is a competition between public service companies rather than states.
Kulturnyheterna seeks the artists behind the appeal for a comment.