https://arab.news/yfxr9
- Fans will now be allowed to bring and display any flag that does not contain racist content, hate symbols
- Iceland, Spain and Slovenia have all raised concerns about Israel鈥檚 participation at this year鈥檚 contest
LONDON: Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have lifted a ban on Palestinian flags for audience members, but maintained restrictions for participating artists, as pressure over Israel鈥檚 inclusion in this year鈥檚 event increased.
The change, confirmed by Danish broadcaster DR, marks a shift from the European Broadcasting Union鈥檚 longstanding rule prohibiting flags from non-competing countries and territories. That policy led to Palestinian flags being banned in previous years.
According to updated guidelines obtained by DR, fans will now be allowed to bring and display any flag that does not contain 鈥渞acist and/or discriminatory content,鈥� or symbols thought to incite hatred, violence, or linked to banned organizations.
In a statement to CNN, the EBU said the update seeks to 鈥渟trike a balance to ensure that our audiences and artists can express their enthusiasm and identities,鈥� while offering greater clarity for national delegations.
However, the relaxed policy applies only to the audience. Participating artists will still be restricted to displaying official national flags in all official Eurovision spaces, including the stage, green room, and Eurovision Village. Artists may show only the flag of the country they represent.
The revised policy comes amid growing criticism of Israel鈥檚 participation in this year鈥檚 contest to be held in Basel, Switzerland, with semifinals on May 13 and 15 and the final on May 17.
Officials in countries including Slovenia, Spain and Iceland have questioned Israel鈥檚 inclusion.
Icelandic Foreign Minister Porgerour Katrin Gunnarsdottir told a local outlet she found it 鈥渟trange and actually unnatural that Israel is allowed to participate,鈥� accusing the country of committing 鈥渨ar crimes鈥� and 鈥渆thnic cleansing鈥� in Gaza.
Despite these objections, the EBU has confirmed that Israel鈥檚 entry meets the competition鈥檚 rules. As with last year, large-scale protests are expected in Basel against Israel鈥檚 participation.
Despite pressure from pro-Israel organizations, Swiss authorities said demonstrations are permitted in principle, including those opposing Israel鈥檚 presence, provided they comply with public safety regulations.