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Vienna Tightens Eurovision Security With FBI Cyber Taskforce as Protests Loom

Police have vetted 16,000 people ahead of airport-style checks at venues.

Overview

  • Vienna police said Tuesday an FBI team in New York will monitor and counter cyber threats during Eurovision week.
  • Authorities have screened about 16,000 people tied to the event, focusing on private security staff and accredited workers.
  • Officers expect disruption attempts and have a protest registered for May 16 with roughly 3,000 people from pro‑Palestinian groups.
  • The contest faces boycotts from Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland over Israel’s participation, with Spain also not broadcasting the show.
  • Show plans still advance, with ORF confirming Vicky Leandros will open the May 12 semi‑final and betting markets keeping Finland as favorite as Greece’s Akylas gains ground.