Serbian protesters demand Eurovision boycott over Israel participation
Demonstrators gathered outside Serbia's state broadcaster RTS in Belgrade on Tuesday, urging authorities to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest. The protesters argue that participation would signal endorsement of Israel's actions in Palestine. Waving Palestinian flags, the group called for dedicated programming on the Palestinian cause instead of joining the international music competition, joining a growing movement across Europe.
Activists converged on the headquarters of Radio Television of Serbia in central Belgrade to voice opposition to the country's involvement in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. The rally targeted the national broadcaster directly, with participants insisting that Serbia's continued participation would constitute tacit approval of Israeli policies toward Palestinians. Chants and banners filled the street outside the RTS building as demonstrators pressed their case for cultural disengagement from the competition.
Calls for programming shift
Beyond requesting a boycott of the music competition, organizers issued a formal statement advocating for a fundamental change in broadcast priorities. They pressed RTS to cancel its Eurovision plans and redirect resources toward comprehensive coverage of the Palestinian situation. Participants prominently displayed Palestinian flags throughout the demonstration, signaling solidarity with the Gaza Strip and West Bank populations while demanding the state media platform amplify Palestinian voices rather than entertain European audiences.
Growing European withdrawals
The Belgrade protest reflects a widening continental movement against Israel's inclusion in cultural events. Multiple European nations have already declared their intention to abstain from the 2026 Eurovision competition, including Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Iceland. These withdrawals underscore increasing tensions surrounding cultural normalization amid ongoing military operations in Palestinian territories, with activists across the continent framing entertainment partnerships as incompatible with human rights advocacy.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.