Eurovision must not whitewash genocide
The Scottish Greens have urged the BBC to join Irish broadcaster RTE and Slovenian broadcaster RTVSLO in boycotting Eurovision if Israel is involved.
Spain’s culture Minister has also called for Israel to be removed for the atrocities being inflicted on Gaza.
The Eurovision song contest will take place in Vienna next May, with more than 160 million viewers.
The Scottish Greens culture spokesperson, Patrick Harvie, said:
“Eurovision is a celebration of diversity, love and unity. I want people to be able to truly enjoy it, but that’s not possible if it’s being used to whitewash genocide.
“We must never normalise war crimes. When Gaza is being obliterated, and the Palestinian people collectively punished and deliberately starved, we all need to take a stand. That includes Eurovision.
“As one of the ‘big 5’ Eurovision broadcasters, the BBC carries a loud voice and should use it to join RTE and others in speaking out against Israel’s inclusion and joining the boycott.
“Russia has been rightly excluded since its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. Palestinian lives are worth just as much as Ukrainian ones, and the same principles have to apply.”