Pro-Palestinian Activists Vandalize Israeli Booth at Swedish Book Fair

The international book fair in Gothenburg, Sweden, which this year focused on freedom of expression, became the scene of anti-Israel protests on Tuesday. Security and police removed and arrested one individual who sprayed red liquid on the Israeli flag and the walls of the booth belonging to the Sweden-Israel Friendship Association. Approximately an hour later, a second incident occurred when a group of pro-Palestinian activists disrupted a discussion about Israel featuring Swedish politician Vidar Andersson. The activists threw ketchup and intimidated attendees, aiming to silence the discourse. Israel's Ambassador to Sweden, Tami Rahamimov Honig, expressed deep concern over the attack on the association's event, noting relief that no one was injured. She stated that the incident represents an attempt to delegitimise Israel and its supporters, and also undermines freedom of expression and open dialogue. Amidst the unrest, Egyptian poet Iman Mersal and Palestinian author Bisan Owda announced their withdrawal from the Gothenburg fair. They cancelled their participation in protest against the presence of former IDF spokesperson for foreign media, Jonathan Conricus.