Vienna police are bracing for protests against Israel’s participation at the annual Eurovision international music contest next week, multiple news outlets report.
Intensive security measures will be implemented, including a drone ban within a mile of contest venues, airport-level security screenings for attendees and an FBI task force in New York to help address cyber threats. A round-the-clock task force in New York will be a point of contact if digital threats emerge, as Vienna is a major hub for FBI cybersecurity operations.
The contest takes place next week, with the final on Saturday, May 16. The eve of the final — Friday, May 15 — is also Nakba Day, which commemorates the displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Five national broadcasters, including Spain’s RTVE and Ireland’s RTE, are boycotting the contest over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Some protestors will be there to support Israel’s participarton as well.
Eurovision is one of the world’s longest-running song competitions, in which mostly European countries each submit an original song performed live.
