Swedish singer Eric Saade, of Palestinian descent, is being criticized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after performing in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest with a keffiyeh – a traditional Palestinian scarf – wrapped around the wrist.
In charge of the opening ceremony of the first semi-final, the singer sought to highlight the persistent war in Gaza, which has already led to the deaths of more than 30,000 Palestinians, a third of which are children.
In a statement, the UER harshly criticized Saade, also cutting off his activities from the festival’s social networks and his official YouTube channel.
“He is well aware of the rules that apply on the Eurovision Song Contest stage,” said Ebba Adielsson, the contest’s executive producer. “It’s sad that he used his participation in this way.”
Since the 1930s, during the first Arab revolt in Palestine, the keffiyeh It is seen as a symbol of Palestinian resistance, Palestinian nationalism and solidarity with Palestine. Its use became popular with Yasser Arafat, president of Palestine between 1994 and 2004.
Tags: Eurovision Swedish singer wore Palestinian scarf opening semifinal Organization reacts
