Sweden ramps up Eurovision security amid outcry over Israel's inclusion
The Swedish Eurovision host city Malmo has promised heightened security for this year's song contest, which faces protests over Israel's participation while the war in Gaza continues.
Authorities in Sweden have vowed "visible" measures – including police with submachine guns and reinforcements from Denmark and Norway – around the Eurovision event, ending with the final on 11 May.
Normally associated with rhinestones and kitsch, this year the competition has become a more controversial affair as critics have called for Israel to be banned from competing, with the war in Gaza entering its seventh month.
Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, is home to over 360,000 people spanning 186 nationalities, and a significant part of the population is of Palestinian origin.
Demonstrations
At least half a dozen applications have been filed for demonstration permits to protest the Israeli presence at the competition, which is organised by the European Broadcasting Union together with Sweden's public broadcaster SVT.
Read more on RFI English
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