Eurovision fans need not worry about the security situation in Malmö

The Malmö Arena will host the Eurovision Song Contest this week, but the threat level in Sweden remains the second highest.

Swedish police spokesman Jimmy Mudin said the threat rating was primarily aimed at security services and was currently the fourth highest in the country on a five-level scale.

“Of course, we take this into account when planning security measures during the Eurovision Song Contest, but it is important to emphasize that there is no direct threat to Eurovision,” a police spokesman said.

He assured that a march in support of the Palestinians will take place in Malmo on Thursday, when Israeli representative Eden Golan will also take part in the second semi-final with the song “Hurricane”.

It is expected that there will be many march participants and traffic will be blocked.

Mudin refused to confirm information that during the Eurovision Song Contest there were calls to burn the Muslim holy scripture, the Koran, in the streets of Malmö.

He did not specify the number of police forces involved in ensuring security in the city, but added that Swedish police would also be assisted by colleagues from Denmark and Norway.

A police spokesman said that while “anything can happen”, people “shouldn’t worry” when traveling to Malmö, but should be aware of safety rules and be prepared for checks.

There have previously been calls to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest due to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, but the organizers of the competition have rejected these calls.

Eurovision-related events kicked off in Malmö on Saturday with a slew of concerts and parties, culminating with the final of the competition on May 11th. More than 100,000 guests are expected to come to Malmö for these events.

In the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö on May 9, the Latvian song “Hollow” performed by Don will be performed along with Israel. Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Georgia, Estonia, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland will also take part in this semi-final. The first Eurovision semi-final will take place on May 7, and the final will take place on May 11.