Serbian Protest Calls for Boycott of Eurovision Song Contest Over Israel's Participation
Dozens of protesters in Belgrade demand Serbia withdraws from Eurovision due to Israel's involvement, urging a broadcast and viewership boycott.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Serbian state broadcaster RTS in Belgrade on Tuesday to urge Serbia not to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation.
The competition, which features 35 countries, is set to take place from May 12-16 in Vienna.
Serbia will be represented by Lavina, a six-member metal band.The protest saw participants waving Palestinian flags and holding banners that criticized Israel for alleged atrocities committed during the Gaza conflict.
Protestors called on RTS not to broadcast Eurovision and asked the Serbian public to refrain from watching it.
According to a statement from the organizers of the protest, making Eurovision a contest without Israeli participation would mean standing up for the ideals declared by the event.There has been no official response from RTS as of yet.
Serbia maintains strong diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Eurovision Song Contest, known for celebrating pop music, often finds itself at the center of international political tensions.
In 2022, Russia was expelled from the contest following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.In December, it was decided that Israel would be allowed to compete in the event, a decision that prompted Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain to withdraw.
RTV Slovenia, Slovenia’s public broadcaster, announced that they will air a Palestinian program during the Eurovision time slot.
The competition, which features 35 countries, is set to take place from May 12-16 in Vienna.
Serbia will be represented by Lavina, a six-member metal band.The protest saw participants waving Palestinian flags and holding banners that criticized Israel for alleged atrocities committed during the Gaza conflict.
Protestors called on RTS not to broadcast Eurovision and asked the Serbian public to refrain from watching it.
According to a statement from the organizers of the protest, making Eurovision a contest without Israeli participation would mean standing up for the ideals declared by the event.There has been no official response from RTS as of yet.
Serbia maintains strong diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Eurovision Song Contest, known for celebrating pop music, often finds itself at the center of international political tensions.
In 2022, Russia was expelled from the contest following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.In December, it was decided that Israel would be allowed to compete in the event, a decision that prompted Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain to withdraw.
RTV Slovenia, Slovenia’s public broadcaster, announced that they will air a Palestinian program during the Eurovision time slot.
