Ahmad 
The Italian ambassador, Alessandro Brunas, was forced to leave the International Book Fair after facing a sharp protest from Tunisian activists.
The Italian ambassador was participating in one of the exhibition’s events in the capital when activists from the “Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine” stormed the venue, carrying slogans expressing their support for the Palestinian cause and their criticism of Italy.
The activists raised banners condemning Rome’s role in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, affirming that Italy is complicit in crimes against Palestinians.
The activists chanted against the ambassador, declaring him “unwelcome” in Tunisia, considering his presence at the exhibition an insult to the Palestinian cause. Consequently, the Italian ambassador left the venue as a result of the protest.
لحظة طرد السفير الإيطالي من معرض الكتاب في #تونس احتجاجًا على موقفه من الحرب على #غزة #إيطاليا pic.twitter.com/JHpLVeeCKr
— التلفزيون العربي (@AlarabyTV) April 27, 2024
This isn’t the first time these activists have targeted Western figures in Tunisia. Previously, they stormed a cinematic event attended by Western ambassadors, protesting against the policies of their countries.
The Tunis International Book Fair, which started the day before yesterday, continues until today under the theme “Go beyond what you see with your eyes, and hold a book in your hand.” It features contributions from 25 countries.
The fair takes place at the Kram Exhibition Palace and sees broad participation from Tunisian and foreign publishing houses, as well as various organizations and associations.
A Tunisian dissident was sentenced to prison and banned from running for president