Ring of steel for Israel's Eurovision finalist: Armed police patrol hotel where ... trends now
Armed police have been posted outside the hotel of Israeli singer Eden Golan as Swedish authorities set up a ring of steel in Malmo ahead of her appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest final.
Dozens of officers patrolled streets surrounding the hotel, carrying out identity checks on car drivers and pedestrians and also patrolling the city centre following demands from pro-Palestine protestors that she be excluded from the competition.
Most of those staying at the hotel are members of Israel’s Eurovision delegation and anyone entering is asked to provide a valid reason and show identity documents.
A large Stop Israel demonstration is planned for Saturday in central Malmo when the final takes place while around 10,000 attended a protest on Thursday against Israel’s participation in the famous song competition.
Roads around the Malmo Arena, where Saturday’s final is being held have already been sealed off with armed officers patrolling the area. Concrete barriers have also been set up around the venue along with special bomb security barriers following concerns that it may be targeted in a terrorist attack.
Armed police have been posted outside the hotel of Israeli singer Eden Golan as Swedish authorities set up a ring of steel in Malmo ahead of her appearance
Armed police guard hotels where performers are staying Extra security in Malmo ahead of The Grand Final of Eurovision
It has emerged that officials from Israel's national security agency Shin Bet visited Malmo last week to review security arrangements for Eden and other members of her team
Police use pepper spray and fight back Pro-Palestinian protesters in central Malmo during the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest
Only flags representing the countries taking part as well as rainbow-coloured flags will be permitted
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It has emerged that officials from Israel's national security agency Shin Bet visited Malmo last week to review security arrangements for Eden and other members of her team, who find themselves at the centre of intense international attention.
They warned her not to leave her hotel room except for performances which she has been doing under armed guard, with Swedish police outriders accompanying the vehicle she is travelling in.
Organisers have announced that extra checks will be carried out on those attending the final in the 12,000 capacity Malmo Arena and will remove any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols.
Only flags representing the countries taking part as well as rainbow-coloured flags will be permitted.
One official told MailOnline: ‘We are taking the security of Eden and all the other contestants very seriously but obviously; the focus is on her. This is one of the biggest security operations that has ever been mounted in Malmo.
