The police are expecting demonstrations due to Israel’s participation in Eurovision this spring and have already received applications for demonstration permits.
– Since October, we have had numerous manifestations and demonstrations. We expect that, we will continue, says Nils Norling, press spokesperson for the police in Malmö.
SVT has strengthened security ahead of the Melodifestivalen in Malmö this weekend but the Malmö police see no cause for concern:
– We are absolutely preparing for it. But it is not a special event or a staff that works only with it, but we handle it like previous competitions, with our regular business, says Nils Norling.
The police: The world’s eyes on Malmö
It is only this spring when Eurovision will be held in the city, when around 100,000 visitors are expected, as it is believed there will be demonstrations and demonstrations. Already today, two applications have been submitted to the police – both are about Israel’s participation in Eurovision and the war on the Gaza Strip.
– We count on and expect that in connection with the light and eyes of the whole world being directed towards Malmö, people will take the opportunity for expressions of opinion and public gatherings, says Nils Norling.
“Should be able to look their children and grandchildren in the eyes”
Since October, there have been demonstrations against Israel’s war on Gaza pretty much every weekend in Malmö. Last Wednesday, students demonstrated in Lund during the French presidential visit.
And there have been calls from various quarters to stop Israel’s participation in the competition. If the country is allowed to participate, Margareta Johansson from the Palestine groups is one of those who will demonstrate:
– We are working to ensure that Israel does not come, but if it does, I and many others will demonstrate. There are many who see “that on this occasion I must show that I am not behind what is happening in Gaza”. It’s about being able to look your children and grandchildren in the eyes when they ask about what you did yourself.