A mural in promoting a boycott of the 2019 contest in Israel (Credit: WikiCommns)
Elham Asaad Buaras
Pro-Palestinian activists have blasted the producers of the Eurovision Song Contest after it took the body mere days to suspend Russia following its invasion of Ukraine while, in contrast, they struggled and failed, for months to persuade the European Broadcasting Union to hold Israel responsible for its illegal occupation.
The European Broadcasting Union announced on February 25 that Russia’s inclusion could bring the competition into disrepute “in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”.
Russia’s immediate suspension has irked Palestinian activists who have campaigned for Israel to be suspended for violation of international law through its occupation of the Palestinian Territories.
Many people took to social media to voice their frustration at the European Broadcasting Union’s stance, with many users accusing the body of racism and double standards.
‘Will you ban Israel from Eurovision the same way you banned Russia? Or is only killing white people against the values of #Eurovision2022.’tweeted Wurst Käse.
Twitter user @IamXCVIII wrote, ‘So Russia is not allowed in Eurovision, but Israel is? It just shows that when it’s white people in trouble, everyone will stand up and speak out, but when it’s PoC they’re staying silent.’
The Ukrainian national broadcaster urged the EBU to suspend Russia’s Eurovision membership and ban it from the contest. State broadcasters from countries including Iceland, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands also called for Russia’s ban from the contest. Finland said if Russia took part, it would not send a representative to the contest in Turin in May.
The European Broadcasting Union said it remained dedicated to “protecting the values of a cultural competition, which promotes international exchange and understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music, and unites Europe on one stage”.
UK Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, welcomed Russia’s expulsion from the contest, tweeting, ‘Eurovision stands for freedom, unity and respect between countries, watched and enjoyed by tens of millions around the world. Glad to see Eurovision taking action and kicking Russia out.’
This year’s Eurovision is due to take place in Turin, Italy.
