Thousands of protesters marched through Malmö’s central streets on Thursday ahead of the second semi-final of the international music competition.
At 4 p.m., a pro-Palestinian crowd occupied Stortorget and then walked towards Slottsparken via Triangeln for two hours. According to the Malmö police, around 10,000-12,000 people took part in the march. A slightly smaller demonstration took place at 5 pm near the arena.
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The police are on the scene with increased resources in several parts of the city. Police officers from other countries have also traveled to Malmö to assist. No major interventions have taken place.
– It is calm and quiet, said police officer Gunnar Ricknell in the afternoon.
By evening, the police had taken nine protesters into custody for disturbing the public order. In addition, a person has been arrested on suspicion of a serious crime against the Knife Act.
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Hear the demonstrators in Malmö: “Important to shed light on what is happening in Gaza”. Photo: SVT
Prio-Israeli demonstration on Davidshallstorg
From 6 p.m., a musical demonstration took place in support of Israel’s participation at Davidshallstorg. About 100 people gathered there to support the Israeli delegation in the music competition.
In connection with the gathering, four people have been rejected from the scene, the police report.
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Hear SVT’s reporter on the spot at the pro-Israel demonstration. Photo: SVT