Trade union interrupts semi-final on VRT with message of support: ‘We condemn the violations of human rights by the State of Israel’

Just before the broadcast on VRT started, the screen 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 is why we are now interrupting the image for a moment.” The message ended with a call for a ceasefire: “#CeasefireNow”.

“It is indeed a trade union action,” VRT spokesperson Yasmine Van der Borght responds The last news. “We were informed that it was going to happen. 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.”

Trade union ACOD-VRT defends the action. “We have been watching the events in the Middle East with horror for months now. We are convinced that the State of Israel is carrying out a genocide and that is why it is scandalous that there is an Israeli entry in the Eurovision Song Contest.”

Earlier this evening, 70 people had protested at the main entrance of RTBF and VRT. The action, organized by Intal and BDS Brussels, among others, criticizes the fact that the Belgian public broadcasters are allowing the broadcast to continue. Some activists even pointed to an alleged “complicity in genocide” by both broadcasters.

At the same time, a large protest march was taking place in Malmö. According to the French news agency AFP, more than 5,000 people walked along the main thoroughfare of the Swedish city, waving Palestinian flags. Climate activist Greta Thunberg was also present.

There were petitions across Europe demanding the exclusion of Israel. At the end of March, candidates from nine countries called for a lasting ceasefire.

“While Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza, where more than 35,000 have been killed, including 14,000 children, and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is currently invading the city of Rafah, Israel is taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest,” said Florian Gillard of the Brussels BDS movement