14 pro-Gaza supporters arrested near Eurovision arena as contest begins under heavy security

THE EUROVISION SONG Contest is under way under heavy security in front of around 10,000 fans at Vienna’s Wiener Stadhalle this evening. 

The Grand Final is taking place once again under the shadow of controversy amid continued protest over Israel’s continued presence in the competition. 

Further protest had been expected during the performance of Israel’s Noem Bettan, who took to the stage third in the running order, after chants of ‘stop the genocide’ could be heard during Tuesday’s semi-final. 

Austrian host broadcaster ORF said it would not be changing its policy of airing a clean audio feed in the wake of the semi-final show. 

No audible booing could be heard in the broadcast as the performance took place. Commentating for the BBC, Graham Norton noted as the song started that there was “a slightly mixed reception in the hall … I’m not sure what’s we’re hearing”.

Around 2,000 people attended a pro-Gaza protest in the city earlier today. The march passed around three blocks away from the venue as protests aren’t allowed in the immediate area around the arena itself.

Seven protesters were chanting pro-Palestine slogans from the steps of the arena train station as the contest started this evening. There was a steady build-up of police and police vehicles at the scene as their protest continued. 

As footage shared with The Journal by bystanders showed, a separate group of protesters were detained at the same location earlier this evening – several were carried down the steps to waiting police vans. 

A police statement confirmed 14 arrests had been made at the location.

Advertisement

A Federal Police spokesman said that although the protest had not been formally registered, it was recognised as a spontaneous public assembly under Austrian law. 

“As Austrian assembly law prohibits participants from concealing their identity, those individuals were repeatedly instructed to remove their face coverings. 14 participants failed to comply.

“Remaining in a state of ongoing non-compliance constitutes an administrative offence under the Assembly Act, and arrests were carried out on that basis.”

Asked about the large-scale protest at a press conference this afternoon, Ingrid Thurnier, the director general of Austrian host broadcaster ORF, said everyone had a right to be heard, but that tonight should be about the performers taking part in the contest.

Boycotts

RTÉ is one of five national broadcasters boycotting the event this year over the war on Gaza. 

Spain’s RTVE, which is also boycotting, posted a message on social media this evening saying. “The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition, but human rights are not. There is no room for indifference. Peace and Justice for Palestine.”

Adding to the woes of contest organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) this evening, the Belgian broadcaster tasked with organising the contestant for next year’s contest demanded a direct vote take place on which countries will be allowed to compete. 

“Today, the chances are slim that VRT will send an artist next year,” spokesperson Yasmine Van der Borght said.

“We expect a clear statement from the EBU against war and violence and for respect for human rights.”

EBU members did not proceed with a direct yes-no vote on Israel’s inclusion when they gathered to discuss rule changes around this year’s Eurovision last December, prompting the boycott by RTÉ and the other broadcasters.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal