Eric Saade during the Swedish Melodifestivalen in 2011. Photo: Claudio Bresciani / SCANPIX / NTB
Of NTB | 04.05.2024 16:35:52
Culture and entertainment: – Shameful, he calls EBU’s handling of the Gaza war Instagram page.
Saade, who was Sweden’s Eurovision representative in 2011, is not in the competition. But he will perform together with Cypriot Eleni Foureira and Spanish Chanel. At the same time that the EBU presented the artist on Saturday, he himself went out against them.
– They do not allow any Palestinian symbols inside the arena, while symbols representing all other ethnicities in the world are welcome. The slogan “United by Music” (If you are not Palestinian) is a joke, he says.
Saade believes the EBU is “broadcasting Israeli propaganda in prime time” while focusing on banning the Palestinian flag. The EBU confirmed earlier this week that again this year they will only allow the flags of the participating countries and the Pride flag.
– That is why it is more important than ever for me to be present. You can take away my symbols, but not my presence.
Saade’s father was born in Lebanon and, like many other Lebanese, has a Palestinian background.
Saade is part of the Singers in solidarity with Palestine network, together with Ane Brun and Timbuktu, among others. The network released the single “Vi bär alla barnen” on Friday in solidarity with Palestinian children. All proceeds from the song go to the UN organization UNRWA.
(© NTB)