A peaceful Eurovision week with occasional public order disturbances

The security arrangements for the Eurovision Song Contest have been planned by the Police for a long period of time. When the event has now come to an end, the Police summarise the week as peaceful with occasional public order disturbances.

Petra Stenkula, Police Operation Commander for Eurovision, comments on the event: “There has been much focus on security issues around Eurovision. In light of the complex world events we are currently facing, we have made sure, together with the organisers, that the Eurovision Song Contest could take place in a safe and secure manner. I hope that the majority of the residents of Malmö and the visitors perceived the Police as available and present”.

During the Eurovision week, a number of authorised public gatherings took place in Malmö. The good dialogue with the organisers contributed to maintaining the demonstrations peaceful. 

The Police also handled several non-authorised public gatherings. The majority of these did not cause any major order disturbances. Before the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday, the Police handled a non-authorised public gathering at the entrance of Malmö Arena in the Hyllie area, during which approximately 20 individuals were taken into custody for disturbing public order. One individual was detained suspected of violence against a public official.

“The Swedish Police, in collaboration with their Danish and Norwegian colleagues, managed to safeguard Swedish democracy in that a large number of expressions of opinions could be carried out in a mainly peaceful and organised manner. The turmoil that emerged around Malmö Arena on Saturday night was handled in a professional way”, comments Petra Stenkula.