Organizers of Eurovision Song Contest ready to remove Palestinian flags or symbols
Associated PressGENEVA — Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest said Thursday they reserve the right to remove any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols at the show next week in Sweden. The glitzy gala, which draws hundreds of millions of viewers each year, is held this year from May 7-11 in Malmo in southern Sweden, following last year’s victory by Loreen for its performance of “Tattoo” last year. Pro-Palestinian activists who want Israel — a former winner — out of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced large rallies in downtown Malmo, several kilometers from the Malmo Arena contest venue. Israel’s national security council on Thursday issued a warning urging people to reconsider travel to Malmo, saying it is “a focus for anti-Israel protests” that include calls to attack Israelis and the burning of Israeli flags.