Drama in Basel ahead of Eurovision 2025, as protests targeting Israel spark security concerns. Authorities respond with a surprising decision. What threatens the festive spirit of Europe’s biggest music event?
Eurovision 2025 is less than two weeks away, yet the drama has already begun. In recent days, public calls have circulated on Swiss social media platforms urging people to participate in a mass protest against Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest in Basel, Switzerland. Behind these calls stands a new movement named “Escalate For Palestine”, which is promoting a full boycott of the event in protest of Israel not being excluded from the competition—despite its ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The movement has announced plans for a major demonstration on May 17, the day of the Eurovision Grand Final, at Barfüsserplatz, the city’s central square. Additionally, it has promoted a series of protest actions throughout Eurovision week in Basel, including encouraging the public to engage in “graffiti actions” across the city. The local police confirmed awareness of these calls: “We are reviewing such statements for potential criminal offenses and, when necessary, will launch thorough investigations,” stated the public prosecutor’s office of the canton of Basel-Stadt.
No Official Request Yet – But Protest Rights Remain
As of this writing, “Escalate For Palestine” has not submitted an official permit request to hold the demonstration. However, Toprak Yerguz, spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Security of Basel-Stadt, explained that the right to protest remains intact during Eurovision: “Freedom of expression is an important value, even during Eurovision. Therefore, in principle, protests are allowed – including those opposing Israel’s participation in the contest.”
Nonetheless, Yerguz emphasized the necessity of complying with local laws: “The right to protest does not permit demonstrations at any time or place. During Eurovision, public safety and conflicting interests must be considered.”
Currently, the police have not taken a public position on whether a protest on the day of the final will be approved. Each request, they noted, will be reviewed individually.
Pro-Israel Group Responds: “A Threat to Security”
On Monday, a public letter was released online by a pro-Israel organization called “Never Again Is Now” (Nain), directed at the Basel government. The letter openly criticized Stephanie Eymann, head of the Department of Justice and Security, for her refusal to impose a blanket ban on protests during Eurovision.
“Nain” warned of the serious dangers these protests could pose, stating: “They may constitute a real security risk for guests, performers, and especially the Israeli delegation. Protests intended to intimidate delegations or disrupt the Eurovision celebration must be clearly prohibited.”
In other words, the group’s core demand is to outlaw any protest specifically aimed at Israel’s participation in the event.
Authorities Respond: “We Acknowledge the Concerns, But Will Uphold Free Expression”
Despite the criticism, Basel’s authorities are standing by their decision. Department of Justice spokesperson Toprak Yerguz addressed the issue directly: “We are aware that Jewish individuals and pro-Israel communities may feel threatened by such demonstrations. We take this very seriously.”
Still, he insisted on the importance of protecting freedom of expression – even when it involves criticism of countries: “We must maintain a healthy balance that allows Jewish communities to feel safe without infringing on the right to free speech.”
Yerguz noted that a clear legal distinction exists between criticism of Israel and antisemitism – a distinction that is guided by local legal standards and the findings of the public prosecutor. For instance, he clarified that the slogan “From the River to the Sea” does not in itself constitute grounds for prosecution.
Between Free Expression and Safety: Basel’s Delicate Challenge
The issue of anti-Israel protests during Eurovision in Basel presents a complex challenge for the city’s authorities. On one hand, there is a need to protect democratic values and freedom of expression, even when the messages are harsh or controversial. On the other, there is the understandable concern for the safety of participants, guests, and particularly the Israeli delegation.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the protest will take place on the day of the Grand Final, and whether the “healthy balance” authorities strive for will be achieved. But one thing is certain – Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025 is already igniting tensions far beyond the stage, long before its representative Yuval Raphael steps into the spotlight.
Source: bzbasel
Eurovision 2025: This will be Switzerland’s 65th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland joined the competition in 1956, being one of the seven founding countries, and has won three times over the years. Its most recent victory was at the last Eurovision in 2025, with Nemo’s song “The Code.” This win follows Switzerland’s previous victory in 1988 with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi,” performed by international singer Céline Dion.
