Protesters accuse Eurovision of ‘normalization of war crimes’

Pro-Palestinian protesters have accused the Eurovision Song Contest of the “normalization of war crimes” at an event in its host city Vienna.

No Stage For Genocide saw hundreds of protesters gather at the Venediger Au play park on the outskirts of Vienna on Friday to protest against Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision amid its actions in Gaza, which have led to Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia all boycotting the contest.

One protester, Viktoria Eibensteiner, who lives in the Austrian capital, told Britain’s Press Association: “I think it’s very important to show a symbol of Austria being against war crimes, about not offering a stage for Israeli crimes in Palestine, in Lebanon, wherever.

“So… we want to take a stance against genocide, against war crimes, and that’s why we’re here today, it’s a celebration that serves to counteract the Eurovision Song Contest and the normalization of war crimes.”

Marco Wanjura, part of the Palestine Solidarity Austria team organizing the event, said: “The European Song Contest claims to stand for solidarity, love, diversity, and everything, but in reality… this year’s contest is hosting Israel as a country which is right now committing a genocide in Gaza.

“And that’s why we wanted to show that the majority in Austria is actually against that.”

A number of smaller protests have also taken place across the week, however they have been kept away from the Wiener Stadthalle venue, where Eurovision is being held, with a heavy police and security presence visible.

Irish-born Fiona Salter, who lives in Vienna and also attended the No Stage For Genocide event, said: “It is important to stand up and say we cannot just celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest without mentioning what’s going on in the world, which is so much more important.

“The ongoing genocide, the ongoing brutal displacement, and apartheid that’s going on in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem… we can’t be silent.”

Eurovision’s grand final will take place on Saturday, after Israeli entrant Noam Bettan, 28, was booed by the crowd during his performance in Tuesday’s semi-final.

Bettan received a mixed reception from the crowd before his performance began, with some members of the audience shouting, and later booing during the quiet moments of his song Michelle.

He will perform third in Saturday’s event.

Earlier this week, human rights group Amnesty International criticized the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for its failure to suspend Israel from the song contest, as it did with Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, calling it an act of “cowardice” and a “blatant double standard”.

Israel’s 2025 entrant Yuval Raphael received the largest number of votes from the public last May, ultimately finishing runner-up to JJ after the jury votes were taken into account.

Two protesters unsuccessfully attempted to storm the stage and throw paint during her performance last year.

Eurovision has been contacted for comment.