A protest took place near the Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, just three hours before the final of the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK), which is the contest to select Finland's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Organized by the 'Tampere with Palestine' collective, approximately 50 to 100 activists attended the protest, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel. This demonstration focused on the ongoing participation of Israel in the Eurovision contest amidst criticism of its military actions.

The activists are advocating for a boycott of both UMK and the Eurovision Song Contest due to the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) refusal to exclude Israel from participating in the contest. They argue that Israel's involvement in the competition should be reconsidered given the ongoing military conflict. Interestingly, similar protests occurred last year, indicating a recurring theme of protest against Israel's participation in international cultural events.

Furthermore, the police have reported that the protest proceeded peacefully, with no significant incidents occurring. This event highlights the intersection of culture and politics, showcasing how international events like the Eurovision Song Contest can become focal points for broader social and political activism, particularly in relation to contentious issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.