Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on Saturday night in Vienna as protests and broadcaster boycotts overshadowed the final.<\/p>\n
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Singer Dara secured victory with the song Bangaranga after a close contest with Israel\u2019s Noam Bettan, whose entry Michelle finished second amid demonstrations against Israel\u2019s participation throughout Eurovision week.<\/p>\n
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The final took place under heavy security after thousands gathered in Vienna to protest against Israel\u2019s inclusion in the competition due to its genocidal war in Gaza.<\/p>\n
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Demonstrators marched through the Austrian capital carrying Palestinian flags and accusing organisers of applying different standards to Israel and Russia.<\/p>\n
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Five countries \u2014 Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia \u2014 withdrew from the contest<\/a> in protest against the European Broadcasting Union\u2019s decision to allow Israel to compete.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Several broadcasters in those countries refused to air the event.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The European Broadcasting Union has faced pressure over Israel\u2019s participation for a third consecutive year. Critics pointed to the organisation\u2019s decision to exclude Russia after the invasion of Ukraine while keeping Israel in the competition.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Amnesty International secretary-general Agnes Callamard criticised<\/a> the EBU earlier this week. She said the refusal to suspend Israel showed \u201cblatant double standards\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n An outdoor concert organised by pro-Palestinian groups took place in Vienna on Friday under the slogan \u201cNo Stage for Genocide\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Congolese-Austrian artist Patrick Bongola, one of the organisers, said inviting Israel to Eurovision was \u201can affront to all the people who believe in humanity, who believe in love and togetherness\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n About 2,000 demonstrators gathered in the city on Saturday before the final.<\/p>\n
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