Latest news with #forPalestine
Saudi Gazette
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Riot police scuffle with anti-war demonstrators on Rhodes during visit by Israeli cruise ship
RHODES — Scuffles broke out between riot police and demonstrators on the Greek island of Rhodes during a protest on Monday against the war in Gaza while an Israeli cruise ship was docked at the island, local media reported. Television footage showed a small number of protesters chanting "Freedom for Palestine" near the port, with riot police pushing them back and minor scuffles breaking out. The cruise ship passengers, who were mainly Israelis, disembarked in Rhodes without incident, Greek media said. Anti-war activists had called for demonstrations on the island during a scheduled stop by the Israeli cruise ship, the Crown Iris, which was reportedly carrying more than 600 tourists. But representatives of local businesses on the island had opposed the protest. Last week, the Crown Iris left another Greek island, Syros, early without its passengers disembarking after more than 150 protesters demonstrated at that island's demonstrators unfurled Palestinian flags and called for an end to the war in Gaza. There were no reports of any violence in Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar contacted his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, over the Syros incident. — Euronews
RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Eurovision Contest to start this week in Switzerland amid controversy
A total of 37 countries will take to the stage in Basel in Switzerland for the Eurovision Song Contest over the next few days, ahead of the grand final at the weekend. Five countries automatically qualify for the grand final each year thanks to the size of their financial contribution to the contest's organiser, the European Broadcasting Union – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Last year the contest hit the headlines due to political tensions and artist complaints. The competition, usually the preserve of the weird and most wonderful acts that Europe has to muster, found itself bogged down in Malmo, Sweden, in controversy and politics amid the war in the Middle East. The event began with a boycott, featured protests, and a rare disqualification along with criticism from artists, and the 2024 winner Nemo Mettler saying they were "really sad" after their triumph with The Code. UK's Olly Alexander and Ireland's Bambie Thug – called for an "immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages" during the Hamas-Israel war. This year, protesters could target Basel during the week of the Eurovision Song Contest, as Israel's participation continues to generate anger amid the war in Gaza. The city is hosting the 2025 contest, after Switzerland's Nemo won last May in Sweden with The Code, which explored them coming to terms with their non-binary identity. About 1,300 Swiss police officers will be on duty in Basel this week, with more forces drafted in from the Swiss Armed Forces, federal police and neighbouring countries – Germany and France – ahead of the two semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday, and the grand final on Saturday. Basel police's head of communications Adrian Plachesi said that the force was aware these type of events could mean an "increased risk of terror attacks" from extremists, and they were also monitoring in case of "cyber attacks" on the city's infrastructure. The force has stepped up video surveillance because of the "heightened threat level" and the city centre has some road closures, Swiss police said. Local campaigners Basel for Palestine attempted to place Palestinian flags near the Eurovision opening event, the Turquoise Carpet, on Sunday, and more protests are scheduled for Saturday in the city centre at 7pm. Israel's Government has issued a warning to its citizens travelling to Basel that "events of this type are a preferred target for threats and attacks by various terrorist elements", and urged them to avoid "hot spots and these demonstrations, which could escalate into violence". The EBU conducted a review and pledged a new code of conduct for 2025, with a raft of measures to "protect" the wellbeing of artists in Basel. This year, former Eurovision competitors such as Ireland's winner Charlie McGettigan, and the UK's Mae Muller, who came second last in 2023, have signed a letter calling for a ban on Israel's public broadcaster Kan, and accusing Israel of "genocide", which Israel denies. Last week, Irish protesters, including The Crying Game actor Stephen Rea, pushed for an RTÉ boycott of the event. RTÉ has written to the EBU to have "a wider discussion" on Israel's inclusion. Emmy, a Norwegian national will be representing Ireland this year at the competition with her song Laika Party. The 24-year-old said that she met a songwriter from Ireland at a songwriting camp so "it felt natural to submit the song for Ireland". She began making her own songs at the age of seven and her career got a kick-start in 2015 when, as a 15-year-old, she participated in Melodi Grand Prix Junior, one of the biggest music competitions in her country, for children.
