Paris Book Fair: a cultural event under high tension

Israel 's President Shimon Peres has condemned a boycott by several Muslim countries of this year's prestigious Paris book fair.

Several Arab countries have decided to boycott this cultural event showing their solidarity for the bruised Palestinian and condemning by extension the Israeli atrocities that reached their peak over the last few days.

Shimon Perez tried to moderate its discourse in a move to ease the prevailing electric climate amid a heavy atmosphere “Those who want to burn books boycott wisdom, prevent reflection, block freedom, condemn themselves to blindness, to ignorance, to a lack of reflection and to a loss of freedom.” He said.

Outside the venue in the French capital, anti-Israel demonstrators chanted in protest at Israel ‘s actions against the Palestinians.