Cinema that shunned Eurovision over Israel act under investigation

THE charity regulator is to examine a cinema’s cancellation of London’s biggest Eurovision screening party in protest at Israel’s inclusion in the competition.

The Rio Cinema in Dalston, east London, said last week that it would not hold the popular annual event this year, and planned to organise fundraising for the Palestinian aid effort instead.

The move by the cinema, which is run by the Rio Centre (Dalston) Ltd, a registered charity, was condemned by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest.

The EBU insisted that Eurovision is a “non-political” event and “not a contest between governments”.

The Charity Commission is now launching a “regulatory compliance case” to assess whether there had been “wrongdoing” in the cinema’s decision to boycott Eurovision. This is the first step which could lead to a full investigation.

In a letter to Sir Michael Ellis, the Tory MP for Northampton North, the Charity Commission said the cinema’s behaviour appeared to be “concerning” and that they had also “received concerns from members of the public”.

A Charity Commission spokesman said: “Concerns have been raised with us about the Rio Centre’s decision to cancel an event relating to the Eurovision Song Contest.

“As a result, we have opened a regulatory compliance case and are currently reviewing information supplied by the charity’s trustees. This will inform any next steps.”

After the cinema’s decision was announced, politicians and Jewish organisations wrote to the Charity Commission over concerns that it contravenes the commission’s rules, as well as the charity’s own stated principles.

In his letter to the commission, Sir Michael criticised the Rio for snubbing a “popular international music competition because the only Jewish nation is competing”.

The MP said: “It is right that the Charity Commission are investigating Rio Cinema Dalston. This is a concerning case. It is very important that all charities adhere to the proper principles and guidelines.”

Earlier this month, Israel’s public broadcaster revised its Eurovision entry, October Rain, after complaints it breached the competition’s ban on political content by allegedly referring to the Oct 7 Hamas atrocities. Now renamed Hurricane, it will be performed by Eden Golan, a 20-year-old Russian-israeli singer.

In a statement on social media, the Rio, which describes itself as a not-forprofit community cinema, said: “Following discussion with the organisers of Eurovision Party London, we have collectively decided not to screen the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

“We firmly believe that the Eurovision Song Contest has the power to bring people together across the world, and when its core values of inclusivity, equality and universality are upheld

‘We will continue to organise fundraising events for the charities we support, including Doctors Without Borders and Medical Aid for Palestine.”

There has also been pressure on Olly Alexander, the UK’S Eurovision contestant, from pro-palestinian activists calling on him to boycott the contest because of the inclusion of Israel.

‘It is very important that all charities adhere to the proper prinicples and guidelines’