The complaint concerns the description of former Social Democratic MP Widar Andersson’s talking point, "Why are so many on the left lost when it comes to the Middle East?", ETC reported.
It quotes a column by Andersson, who claims that Palestinians are used "as a springboard for various communists, extremists and terrorists whose highest desire and sole purpose is to destroy the Jewish state of Israel."
We are deeply affected by both that and several other statements that have reached us regarding these program items. It is important for us to say that we do not stand behind them. We understand that they arouse strong reactions, and they do with us as well, says Book Fair director Oskar Ekström to TT.
Denied famine
Jonathan Conricus, former spokesman for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), also takes part in a programme segment via link. Oskar Ekström is also critical of several of his statements; for example, Conricus has denied famine in Gaza.
The fact that a person is allowed to participate in the Book Fair, via an exhibitor, does not automatically mean that the Book Fair supports the person's opinions or previous statements, says Ekström.
New code of conduct
This year, the fair has updated its code of conduct for the Demokratitorget exhibition area, where the Sweden-Israel Friendship Association has its stand. The code includes requirements that exhibitors respect human rights and follow democratic principles.
This applies to the exhibitors and we expect everyone to follow it, says Oskar Ekström.
How are you going to follow up on that?
We are present in the area of democracy and follow it in various ways.
