Security tightened for the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden

(8 May 2024)
RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Malmo, Sweden - 08 May 2024
1. Focus shift from flower to Malmo object
2. Wide of arena where Eurovision is being held
3. Close of Eurovision banner
4. Various of security officers at arena
5. Various of Eurovision fans
6. Wide of fans sitting in front of the stage at fan zone
7. Mid of security officers monitoring
8. Various of crowds
9. Mid of fans wearing Palestinian flag
10. Various of stage settings up at fan zone
11. Close of Eurovision fan zone sign
12. Wide of street
13. Focus shift from Palestinian flag to Eurovision sign
14. Palestinian flag
15. Various of protesters chanting to boycott Israel and Eurovision
16. Wide of fans at arena
17. various of securities around arena
18. Various of fountain
19. Mid of banners
STORYLINE:
Security was tight in Malmo on Wednesday as competition in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off, with the war in Gaza casting a shadow over the sequin-spangled pop extravaganza.
Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage in the first of two semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo. It and a second semifinal on Thursday will winnow a field of 37 nations to 26 who will compete in Saturday’s final against a backdrop of both parties and protests.
The Swedish city expects an influx of some 100,000 Eurovision fans, along with tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters.
Israel is a Eurovision participant, and demonstrations are planned on Thursday and Saturday against the Israel-Hamas war, which has left almost 35,000 Palestinians dead.
Israel’s government warned its citizens of a “tangible concern” Israelis could be targeted for attack in Malmo during the contest.
Organisers told Israel to change the lyrics of its entry, originally titled “October Rain” in apparent reference to Hamas’ cross-border October 7 attack that killed some 1,200 Israelis and triggered the war.
The song was renamed “Hurricane” and Israeli singer Eden Golan was allowed to remain in the contest.
Video shot for AP by Kwiyeon Ha
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This shot is really something 1:50