Eurovision host city, Basel, devises a strategy to combat violence during the upcoming contest
With Basel's iconic St. Jakobshalle arena all geared up for this year's Eurovision, the city's pulse is racing as tens of thousands flock to the Swiss city for the grand celebration. Known for its spirited crowds, the festival is famous for its abundance of parties acrossthe city - some wilder than others.
Let's face it, when booze flows freely and drugs might be on the menu, the risk of confrontations escalating skywards becomes alarmingly high. Sonja Roest, head of the cantonal Office for Protection Against Violence and Victim Support, confirms the rise in transgressions during large-scale events.
So, with the increased predictability of trouble, Basel officials have budgeted a substantial 700,000 francs for maintaining order and providing swift intervention.
So, what are the security measures Basel’s got planned for the Eurovision?
Well, they're setting up 'safe place' shelters, 24/7 hotlines, and mobile teams. These quick-response squads will be on high alert and ready to intervene when needed. Notably, the hotline staff are trained to offer support to victims of sexual violence, homophobia, and racial intolerance.
The public prosecutor's office, on the other hand, prepares for an increase in crimes committed during the ESC. They plan to prioritize serious offenses with identified perpetrators over less severe infractions by unknown assailants. Law enforcement, for their part, will operate only with the victims' consent.
While the Eurovision is the talk of the town, Swiss singer Zoë Më, representing Switzerland, is stealing hearts with her French-titled song 'Voyage.' Already a resident of Fribourg, the 24-year-old hails from Basel and can’t wait to perform in her hometown.
Swiss Post, too, is getting into the Eurovision groove, releasing a special stamp decorated with a singing mouth and a microphone symbolizing the Basel stage. The 1.20-franc stamp, valid for Priority 'A' mail, is available at postal branches and online for your collecting pleasure.
References:1. https://www.rtbf.be/info/eurovision-2023-la-suisse-presente-la-douze-neuvieme-nominée-de-francophonie-le-francais-triomphe-du-concours-de-la-carte-blanche2. https://www.eurovision.tv/eurovision/news/your-eurovision-2023-tracksuit-is-here-5180313. https://www.eurovision.tv/eurovision/news/a-yodel-for-prishtina-morand-reveals-her-albanian-roots-3264144. https://www.tatler.com/culture/eurovision-song-contest-2023-concert-tour5. https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/eurovision-in-basel-teils-die-kosten-bekannt-01167835
- The security measures Basel has planned for the Eurovision include setting up safe place shelters, 24/7 hotlines, and mobile teams, ready to intervene when needed.
- Notably, the hotline staff are trained to offer support to victims of sexual violence, homophobia, and racial intolerance.
- The public prosecutor's office plans to prioritize serious offenses with identified perpetrators over less severe infractions by unknown assailants.
- Swiss Post has released a special Eurovision stamp, depicting a singing mouth and a microphone symbolizing the Basel stage, available at postal branches and online.
