Ukrainian delegation wears “Free Azovstal Defenders” t-shirts at 2024 Eurovision to raise awareness of Ukrainian POWs in Russia

During the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, members of the Ukrainian delegation were wearing T-shirts that read "Free Azovstal Defenders" during the final round.

Ukrainian representative at Eurovision 2024, Alyona Alyona, reported this.

According to the singer, during the competition, the security thoroughly inspected all garments due to the prohibition of any inscriptions or brand names. If any inscriptions were found:

• individuals were instructed to remove them,
• or they were covered with black tape.

When the Ukrainian delegation members needed to go to the green room, they wore T-shirts with the slogan "Free Azovstal Defenders," concealing them under their other clothing.

"Before entering the hall, our team put on t-shirts under their other t-shirts and sweaters and were able to go to the green room with them," the rapper wrote.

"We were aware that the delegation would also be featured during the replay of the artists' performances.

So when the camera came near us, our team eagerly presented ourselves and shared our message with the world," alyona Alyona says.

^{Photo: Instagram}

The representative of Ukraine also said that she was "incredibly glad" that they managed to remind the world about Ukrainian prisoners of war.

In particular, she noted in the post that the problems appeared when printing the inscription on the items.

"We called several printing houses; some did not work, and others refused to make a print. However, we agreed with one printing house after we called them five times and tearfully asked for help," the singer noted.

For reference:

Regarding security measures at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, before the first semi-final, the crowd witnessed hundreds of police officers patrolling the center of Malmö.

Sniper spots were also established atop the roofs surrounding the Malmo Arena, which hosted a major music event. The vicinity of the concert venue was equipped with surveillance cameras.

Police officers from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden also assisted Malmö law enforcement officers. Spectators had to pass a security check to enter the Malmo Arena and were prohibited from bringing political symbols, including Palestinian flags, into the show.

It is worth adding that this year, some delegations did not respect the spirit of the Eurovision rules – both on the spot and during their broadcasts. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressed regret on this occasion.

It should be noted that Ukraine took third place at the Eurovision Song Contest. alyona alyona and Jerry Heil received 146 points from the jury and 307 from the audience.

The Ukrainian artists, alyona alyona and Jerry Heil, performed their song "Teresa & Maria" in the final, placing second. As their performance ended, they proclaimed, "Peace and Freedom for Ukraine." Following their song, the Ukrainian delegation, some sporting Free Azovstal Defenders T-shirts, was visible in the audience.