VRT unions interrupt broadcast just before the Eurovision Song Contest: ‘Stop the genocide in Gaza’

Just before the start of the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, the VRT unions broadcast a message of support for the Palestinian people.

On the VRT 1 channel the picture went black for a moment and the following message appeared: ‘This is a trade union action. We condemn the violations of human rights by the State of Israel. Moreover, the State of Israel is destroying freedom of the press. That’s why we’re interrupting the image for a moment.’ The message concluded with a call for a ceasefire and an end to the genocide: “#CeasefireNow StopGenocide .”

‘We have been watching with horror the events in the Middle East for months now. Israel’s far-right government spares nothing and no one and we are convinced that it is carrying out a genocide. That is why it is scandalous that there is an Israeli entry in the Eurovision Song Contest,” said the socialist ACOD. ‘Doing nothing, just watching, is no longer an option. That is why we have decided to interrupt the broadcast.’

A VRT spokesperson confirmed to Het Laatste Nieuws that the broadcaster knew about the message in advance. ‘Trade unions have the right to take action and do not need permission to do so. “I can only say that we have taken note of the action,” it said.

Even though political messages are not allowed during the Eurovision Song Contest, there was also a reference to the war in Gaza on stage in Malmö, Sweden. Belgian candidate Mustii had ‘peace’ written in black letters on his arm. During the first semi-final on Tuesday, Swedish singer and presenter Eric Saade had also attracted attention by appearing on stage during the opening act with a Palestinian scarf around his wrist.

For those interested: Mustii failed to qualify for the final. The fiercely contested Israeli candidate Eden Golan – who had to change the lyrics of her song twice in advance because it was too politically charged – did obtain a ticket for Saturday.

Even before the broadcast, there was a small-scale protest by several dozen activists at the VRT and RFBF buildings. They did not think it was possible for Israel to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, given the violence in the Gaza Strip.

In Malmö, even 10,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets. Police had to use pepper spray to prevent demonstrators from entering the Eurovision village.