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Sweden prepares for Eurovision with heightened security

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Security measures are being intensified for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city, as large demonstrations are expected to coincide with the event. While police and organizers assert they are well-prepared and aiming for a “joyful” occasion, concerns linger amidst heightened tensions.

The annual Eurovision celebration, typically a lighthearted affair of pop music and showbiz, finds itself under a cloud this year due to Israel’s participation amid the conflict in Gaza. With Sweden already facing elevated security challenges, Malmo braces for one of its most extensive policing endeavors.

Upwards of 100,000 visitors are anticipated to flock to the city on Sweden’s southwestern coast for the world’s largest live music competition. Despite the festive atmosphere adorned with colorful Eurovision banners adorning the streets, apprehensions loom large.

The series of festivities kick off on Saturday, with semi-finals scheduled for next Tuesday and Thursday, culminating in the grand final on May 11. An estimated global audience of 200 million viewers is expected to tune in for the four-hour spectacle.

Law enforcement personnel have been mobilized from across Sweden, with reinforcements from neighboring Denmark and Norway. While Swedish police typically carry arms, additional officers will be equipped with larger weapons as a precautionary measure.

Malmo’s police chief, Petra Stenkula, acknowledges the country’s heightened state of alert, citing a “terror level of four out of five.” She notes that protests against Israel’s participation in the competition have taken place in Sweden, including Malmo.

Despite the absence of specific threats to the event, security concerns remain elevated, particularly following a series of Quran-burnings last August that sparked outrage in the Muslim world. An internal police report underscores Sweden as a “priority target” for violent jihadist groups, citing various potential risks including unrest, cyber attacks, and broadcast disruption.

Authorities have deployed extensive surveillance measures, including cameras and drones, while implementing airport-style security checks at venue entrances. Bags are prohibited for guests attending the event.

Malmo’s security director, Per-Erik Ebbestahl, emphasizes the city’s readiness, citing months of planning and collaboration with counterparts in Liverpool, the host of last year’s competition.

While Malmo has previously hosted notable events such as a papal visit and a Holocaust Remembrance conference, the current security landscape presents new challenges, particularly regarding large gatherings and generalized threats towards Sweden.

The sentiment is echoed by Ebba Adielsson, the executive Eurovision producer, who acknowledges the political controversies surrounding this year’s event but hopes they won’t overshadow the festivities. Israeli contestant Eden Golan’s participation has drawn attention, given the politically charged nature of her song.

Tensions are palpable in Malmo, with its diverse population expressing mixed sentiments. While some members of the Jewish community feel nervous, others from the Palestinian community have been vocal in their opposition to Israel’s participation.

Protests against Israel’s involvement in Eurovision are anticipated, with multiple demonstrations planned throughout the week. Police are bracing for potentially large-scale rallies, with measures in place to ensure public safety.

Despite the offstage tensions, Eurovision enthusiasts remain hopeful for a successful and enjoyable event. Amidst the challenges, the spirit of Eurovision prevails, with festivities planned to celebrate the competition’s cultural significance.

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German teens held for alleged Christmas market attack plot

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German authorities have apprehended two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, under suspicion of planning a militant Islamist attack on either a Christmas market or synagogue. The younger individual, a German-Afghan from Burscheid, was taken into custody after a search of his residence, while the 16-year-old, described as a Russian national, was detained in Wittstock/Dosse. The alleged seriousness of the plot prompted police intervention, as the boys had specified a time and place for the potential attack.

The targeted location initially mentioned in reports was Cologne, southwest of Burscheid, but subsequent information suggested it might be the nearby city of Leverkusen. The suspects had reportedly exchanged information on the Telegram messaging app, discussing the use of homemade incendiary devices or a van to carry out their plans. The arrests come amid concerns about a heightened risk of Islamist militant attacks in Germany, with authorities acting on a tip from abroad regarding a potential threat involving an individual from North Rhine-Westphalia.

The arrests unfolded as Thomas Haldenwang, the head of Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), warned of an increased risk of Islamist militant attacks. Haldenwang linked this elevated threat to the Israel-Hamas conflict and highlighted the potential for attacks on Jewish, Israeli individuals, and institutions in the West. He emphasized that various groups were spreading hatred, incitement, and antisemitism, with jihadist groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State exploiting the situation to convey a victim narrative to Muslims in the West. The intelligence chief underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that an attack could happen in Germany at any time.

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Jewish fears as German support for Israel is challenged on streets

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concern and condemnation over recent antisemitic attacks in Germany during an event commemorating the anniversary of the November pogroms of 1938, also known as “Kristallnacht.” Despite Germany’s historic responsibility and diplomatic support for Israel, social discord has arisen, particularly amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The rise in antisemitism in Germany, exacerbated by incidents like the throwing of petrol bombs at a Berlin synagogue, has heightened anxiety due to the nation’s Nazi past. Cases of antisemitism were already increasing before the Hamas attacks, with a significant number attributed to the far right.

Senior politicians have called for people, especially from the political left and Muslim backgrounds, to distance themselves from Hamas actions. Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security, a fundamental aspect of its foreign policy, is facing challenges on the streets, as evidenced by protests with placards expressing dissent.

Some individuals, like Nadim Jarrar, advocate for a more open discussion on Israel’s actions, while others, such as Sami, emphasize the need to express pain about the situation in Gaza. Germany’s vice-chancellor, Robert Habeck, acknowledges that criticism of Israel is allowed but emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Israel’s right to exist.

However, there are concerns about the integration policy in Germany, with instances of antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments surfacing during protests. Felix Klein, the government’s Commissioner for Jewish life in Germany, highlights the problem when criticism turns into hate denying Israel’s right to exist.

Despite the genuine anguish felt in Germany over the safety of Jewish people, there is also anger in some communities about the perceived reluctance of political classes to criticize Israel, contributing to a complex and evolving societal debate.

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