Protests to hit Eurovision week amid ‘risk’ of cyber and terror attacks

Local campaigners Basel for Palestine attempted to place Palestinian flags near the Eurovision opening event, the Turquoise Carpet, on Sunday, and more protests are scheduled for Saturday in the city centre at 7pm.

Nemo of Switzerland, who performed the song The Code, won in 2024 (Martin Meissner/AP)

Protesters could target Basel during the week of the Eurovision Song Contest, as Israel’s participation continues to generate anger amid the war in Gaza.

The city is hosting the 2025 contest, after Switzerland’s Nemo won last May in Sweden with The Code, which explored them coming to terms with their non-binary identity.