The Arab book fair in Malmö began last Friday.

The City of Malmö has contributed SEK 150,000 and has also planned joint arrangements.

But now they are immediately breaking off the collaboration.

The reason is that it has been possible to buy anti-Semitic literature via the fair.

- It is very important that we show that this is absolutely not okay, says Jennie Järvå.



During the morning, the link was removed from the book fair's website.

First year with support

The Arab Book Fair has been held for several years in Malmö.

Then the study association Ibn Rushd was the organizer.

During those years, the municipality did not provide financial support, as student unions cannot receive this type of cultural support.

Until this year, therefore, a special organizing association was formed.

The City of Malmö gave its support with special conditions.

The requirements are the same as for all new grant recipients, among other things, a follow-up must be done after the event to ensure that the money has been used correctly and that the goals have been achieved.

But on Wednesday morning, Malmö City's cultural director, Pernilla Conde Hellman, announced that they will investigate whether they can claim the money back.

She also hopes that others who have contributed to the fair, such as the Swedish Arts Council, will point out what has happened.

- We will see if we can do something together with the Swedish Arts Council.

We are completely shocked by this, says Pernilla Conde Hellman.

Controversial student union

The study association Ibn Rushd, which started the Arabic book fair, provides financial support for this year's fair.

The union is not uncontroversial, among other things, it has been accused of having strong ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and demands have come from several quarters that municipalities and authorities should not provide grants.

Pernilla Conde Hellman does not want to comment on that, but refers to the Folkbildningsrådet investigating the activities.

"Prohibits all discrimination"

In a written comment, the organizers write, among other things:

We would like to thank those who drew our attention to the fact that there was a book listed on the site that violates our principles of rejecting anti-Semitism and respecting all religions.

Just like last year, we have contracts with all book publishers that have the condition of accepting the rules that prohibit all types of discrimination, including anti-Semitism. "

According to Estabrak Essat, administrative coordinator of the Arab Book Fair, the fact that this year's fair is digital has created new challenges.

- We have created accounts for each publisher where they can post their books on our website and we have not checked.

We apologize so much and take it upon ourselves that we made a mistake that did not check what the publishers posted, says Estabrak Essat to SVT.