Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the 2024 Eurovision song contest , has said they are handing back their trophy in protest over Israel’s participation in next year’s event.

The 26-year-old, the first non-binary winner of the contest, said on Thursday there was “a clear conflict” between the Eurovision ideals of “unity, inclusion and dignity for all” and the decision to allow Israel to compete.

In a statement on Instagram, they said: “Even though I am immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.”

Their decision deepens the crisis over Eurovision 2026, which is now facing a boycott from five countries over Israel’s war in Gaza. Map

After the con

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