Swiss Eurovision Winner Nemo Returns Trophy in Protest Against Israel's Participation
Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo announced their decision to return their trophy in protest against Israel's participation in the contest. Nemo, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 with their song 'The Code,' expressed that Israel's involvement contradicts the contest's values of inclusion and dignity for all. This protest follows the European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel to participate in the upcoming event in Austria, despite ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Several countries, including Iceland, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, have withdrawn from the contest, citing Israel's actions in Gaza as the reason. Nemo's protest highlights a growing discontent with the Eurovision organizers' stance, as they argue that the contest is being used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing.