The Swedish city of Malmö, hosting this year’s Eurovision, is witnessing unprecedented security measures, according to the Swedish Aftonbladet.
On Tuesday, the day of the first semi-final, hundreds of law enforcement officers in heavy gear patrol the central part of the city, while observation points and sniper positions are noticed on rooftops around the concert hall. In support of local police in Malmö, colleagues from across Sweden, as well as from Denmark and Norway, have arrived.
Numerous cameras surround the arena, with their footage monitored in the police monitoring center. Spectators are subjected to thorough security checks akin to airport screenings; carrying bags, political symbols, and Palestinian flags is prohibited.
One reason for this unprecedented vigilance is Israel’s participation in the contest amid operations in the Gaza Strip. On Thursday and Saturday, large demonstrations against Israel’s participation are planned in Malmö.
Another factor is Sweden’s heightened “attractiveness” to Islamist terrorists following a series of provocative Quran-burning incidents last year.
