Feb 14 • 18:49 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia TVNET

PHOTO AND VIDEO ⟩ Dozens protest in front of the Riga Film Studio against 'Eurovision' with Israel

Protesters gathered in front of the Riga Film Studio to oppose Latvia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Israel.

On Saturday evening, a protest against Latvia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in collaboration with Israel was held outside the Riga Film Studio, drawing dozens of participants. The protest commenced around 8 PM and lasted approximately an hour, with attendees chanting slogans such as "Israel bombs – LSM ignores" and "Free, free Palestine". This event marks a continuation of protests that have been taking place since earlier this year, as public sentiment grows against the involvement of Israel in the international competition.

The demonstrations are organized in alliance with Palestinian solidarity movements in the Baltic region, calling for national broadcasters in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to withdraw from participating in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel's involvement is permitted. In addition to demanding the withdrawal from the contest, protestors are also urging musicians to boycott regional selection events and are calling upon the Baltic culture ministers to publicly condemn Israel for its actions in the ongoing conflict, which they characterize as genocide and war crimes.

In December 2025, the European Broadcasting Union announced Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision, which has sparked uproar and prompted these demonstrations. Protesters are united by a common cause, rallying not only against the participation of Israel but also advocating for Palestinian rights, emphasizing a growing trend of political activism within cultural events such as the Eurovision, which has historically focused on entertainment rather than political issues.

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