Sweden: Authorities implementing heightened security in Malmo through May 11 for Eurovision /update 1

Authorities are enacting tight security measures across Malmo through at least May 11 corresponding with the Eurovision song contest there. Authorities previously announced heightened security deployments, including bringing in police officers from neighboring countries, in an attempt to ensure event security. The Eurovision competition will take place at the Malmo Arena May 7-11.

On May 2, the Israeli National Security Council announced an increase in its Travel Alert Level for Malmo from 2 (potential threat) to 3 (moderate threat) on its 4-level scale. The Israel National Security Council warns that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct attacks against Israeli citizens in Malmo during the event period and recommends that Israeli citizens traveling to Malmo reconsider their plans.

Protests coinciding with the event are planned throughout Malmo. Local organizers have announced demonstrations expressing solidarity with Palestine and denouncing Israeli participation in Eurovision on May 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12. As of May 3, the only one of these demonstrations with a publically announced location and time is scheduled to take place at Gustav Adolfs Square (Gustav Adolf Torg) from 13:00 May 5. Additional demonstrations denouncing Israeli participation are likely throughout Malmo, including potentially near Malmo Arena; counter-protests or standalone protests denouncing antisemitism are also possible.

Additionally, other activists plan to protest by burning copies of the Quran in Malmo May 3-5. Gatherings will reportedly occur at Gustav Adolfs Square May 3-4. Additionally, as of May 3, authorities were still considering whether to permit a third planned demonstration in Rosengard District 14:00-16:00 May 5. It is unclear how many participants will attend the events.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely throughout Malmo during the duration of Eurovision, and will likely be most severe near Malmo Arena and in the Malmo city center. Scheduled protests and counter-protests will likely feature heavy security presences; however, unscheduled demonstrations may occur. Scuffles between politically opposed individuals are possible throughout the event; this risk is particularly elevated at protests, where clashes are possible. Counter-protests are likely at the scheduled Quran-burning protests, particularly those on May 3-4 due to their central position in Malmo.