Dutch artist expelled from Eurovision Tune Contest is more likely to face fees, Swedish police say
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The Netherlands’ contestant within the Eurovision Tune Contest who was dramatically expelled from the competitors hours earlier than the grand finale will doubtless be charged for making unlawful threats, Swedish police stated Monday.
Joost Klein had did not carry out at two costume rehearsals on Friday and the organizer, the European Broadcasting Union stated that police had been investigating a criticism by “a feminine member of the manufacturing crew” on the competitors within the Swedish metropolis of Malmo.
Police spokesman Jimmy Modin informed The Related Press their investigation into the incident was over and {that a} choice on the costs ought to come “inside a number of weeks.” He didn’t elaborate on the character of the threats that the Dutch performer is accused of constructing.
The competition in Malmo adopted a turbulent 12 months for the pan-continental pop contest that noticed massive avenue protests in opposition to the participation of Israel that tipped the feelgood musical celebration right into a chaotic strain cooker overshadowed by the battle in Gaza.
Particulars of what occurred backstage are unknown.
The tabloid Aftonbladet stated, citing an unnamed supply, that Klein at one level turned confused by all of the photographers and requested them to cease filming. When one photographer bought shut, he raised his arm with a fist and lunged on the photographer, the paper stated.
The Sydsvenska each day, a Malmo newspaper, stated that the crime of constructing threats normally results in fines upon conviction.
“We count on there’ll most likely be a prosecution,” Emil Andersson, the police officer answerable for the case, informed Swedish broadcaster SVT. He additionally stated {that a} authorized strategy of “accelerated prosecution” will doubtless be concerned because the altercation didn’t contain a extra severe crime.
The typical time for an investigation in instances of accelerated prosecution is six to eight weeks.
The last-minute disqualification was unprecedented within the 68-year historical past of Eurovision. The 26-year-old Dutch singer and rapper had been a bookies’ favourite, in addition to a fan favourite, together with his music “Europapa,” an upbeat Euro-techno ode to the continents range that can also be a tribute to Klein’s dad and mom, who died when he was a toddler.
Klein reportedly has already left Sweden.
The 68th version of the competition was received by Switzerland’s Nemo.
