This Video Originates From Sweden, Not Depicting the Danish King Waving the Palestinian Flag
The Claim
The King of Denmark, King Frederik X, waves the Palestinian flag from a balcony as he greets hundreds of protesters demonstrating in Copenhagen in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
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Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating a video claiming to depict the King of Denmark waving the Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestine demonstration.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. The video was not captured in Denmark, and it does not show the King of Denmark waving or holding the Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestine demonstration.
Pro-Palestine Rally in Sweden
The video footage originates from May 9, during pro-Palestine demonstrations on the streets of Malmo, Sweden. These protests were in response to Israel's participation in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, currently underway in Sweden.
Misbar uncovered additional footage from the aforementioned demonstration, depicting the same individual waving the Palestinian flag from a balcony. Through diligent investigation, Misbar successfully pinpointed the location to "Anna och Eva Bunths skola för flickor," translating to "Anna and Eva Bunths School for Girls." It was discovered to be a building formerly housing a girls' school, located in the Swedish city of Malmo.
Misbar further uncovered additional footage showcasing both the building and the street where the pro-Palestine demonstration took place. These scenes were meticulously compared with corresponding details of the same location in Malmo, Sweden, using Google Maps for precise verification.
Protests Arise Over Israel’s Participation in Sweden Contest
The Swedish city of Malmo witnessed protests against Israel's participation in the contest it is hosting. Protesters demanded a boycott of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, carrying banners reading "Children are killed in Gaza," "Stop the genocide," and "Palestine forever." They also displayed pictures of children who have fallen victim to the war in Gaza since October 7 of last year. The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest began on May 11 in Malmo, organized by the European Broadcasting Union and Swedish Public Television (SVT).
King of Denmark’s Visit to Sweden This Month
On May 6, King Frederik X of Denmark arrived in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, marking his first official visit abroad. Frederik X, aged 55, ascended to the throne on January 14 of last year, following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II, aged 83.
The Danish king's visit to Sweden spanned from May 6 to May 7, predating the emergence of the video depicting pro-Palestine demonstrations that took place on May 9. Upon comparing the appearance of the Danish King during his recent visit to Sweden with that of the individual waving the Palestinian flag at the pro-Palestine demonstration, noticeable differences in appearance become apparent.
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