ALBAWABA - Belgium's VRT television network, well-known for its Flemish programming, bravely interrupted the Eurovision Song Contest final broadcast to condemn Israel's breaches of human rights and assaults on press freedom.
At the beginning of the championship in Malmö, Sweden, there was an interruption that was described as a union action. Citing worries about regional censorship and violations of human rights, the statement from VRT denounced Israel's activities in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The demonstration, which was organized by the trade unions ACOD-VRT and Acod Culture, targeted the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for permitting Israel to compete in the competition, pointing out what they saw as a conflict with the organization's declared principles.
Notably, the unions called attention to the competition's considerable sponsorship by an Israeli corporation, seeing this as an EBU political statement.
The unions' statement emphasized Israel's purported "genocidal acts," charging the state with grave human rights breaches and disobedience to international law, which had led to thousands of deaths—many of them children—since October 2023.
This protest is reminiscent of previous acts made when Israel competed in the second semifinal of the competition, demonstrating a steadfast opposition to Israel's participation.
Two ministers from Belgium had previously said that they thought Israel ought to be barred from the Eurovision Song Contest as long as it persisted in using force against civilians in Gaza.
The tournament's host city, Malmö, has emerged as a focal point for pro-Palestine protests, highlighting the continuing issue over Israel's entry into the competition.
