Police today dispersed a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters who had gathered around the Malmö Arena, the venue in the city of Malmö where the final of the Eurovision music contest is being held, the French news agency reported.

The protesters waved flags to the rhythm of chants of “Freedom for Palestine”. Some wore Palestinian headscarves, some wrapped their faces in them.

“They seem to have the authority to be more aggressive than usual,” Sarah, a 45-year-old Malmo resident, quoting city police, told Agence France-Presse. “I’ve never seen this before.”

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Police, who confirmed they had used tear gas, tried to push the protesters back into a square where a pro-Palestinian rally had been allowed to take place. “They threw tear gas in my face, they pushed me,” Sarah Boe, 26, told the French news agency, showing her bloodshot eyes.

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Climate activist Greta Tunberg was among them but stayed away from the clashes. She and members of her organization sat down in a circle, surrounded by police officers.

In the afternoon, about 5,000 people marched peacefully through the city, where the majority of Sweden’s population of Palestinian origin lives, to protest Israel’s participation in the music competition.