Paris Feminist Bookstore Violette & Co. Under Attack for Pro-Palestine Books – A Breaking News Update
Paris, France – August 12, 2024 – Violette & Co., a beloved and historically significant feminist and LGBTQIA+ bookstore in Paris, is currently weathering a fierce storm of harassment and intimidation stemming from its display of books related to Palestine. The attacks, ranging from vandalism to a relentless online smear campaign, underscore a worrying trend of escalating political tensions and threats to independent booksellers. This is a developing story, and Archyde is committed to providing up-to-the-minute coverage.
Vandalism and Threats: A Physical and Digital Assault
The bookstore team reports that on the night of July 7-8, their storefront window was deliberately vandalized with acid paint and hateful graffiti, including accusations of being “Islamo accomplices” and “Hamas rapists.” The damage is estimated at €10,000, requiring a complete window replacement. This wasn’t an isolated incident. On August 6th, a group of five individuals confronted booksellers over a “Coloring Book on Palestine,” reportedly making inflammatory statements denying Palestinian existence and dismissing claims of genocide.
The physical attacks have been compounded by a vicious online campaign. Violette & Co. is being bombarded with harassing phone calls, emails, and defamatory Google reviews. Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), has become a breeding ground for threats and the spread of misinformation, focusing heavily on the coloring book, titled “From the River to the Sea: A Coloring Book.”
The Controversy Surrounding “From the River to the Sea”
The coloring book, illustrated by South African artist With us Ngubane and published by Bandit Media, has become a focal point of the controversy. While not widely distributed in France, it’s available through Amazon and a volunteer translation effort brought it to Violette & Co.’s shelves. The phrase “From the River to the Sea” is deeply contested, with some interpreting it as a call for the destruction of Israel, while others view it as an expression of Palestinian aspirations for freedom and equality. The book itself aims to educate about Palestinian history and culture.
Evergreen Insight: Understanding the historical context of this phrase is crucial. It’s been used by various groups over decades, representing a spectrum of political viewpoints. The debate highlights the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the power of language in shaping perceptions.
Political Interference and Media Amplification
The situation has been further inflamed by the involvement of political figures and certain media outlets. Nelly Garnier, a Paris city council member, and Aurélien Véron, an advisor to the Minister of Culture, publicly criticized the bookstore for displaying the book, highlighting that Violette & Co. receives grants from the city. Violette & Co. has vehemently refuted these claims, clarifying that the grants are awarded to the Violette & Co Association, which shares the premises and focuses on anti-discrimination work.
The bookstore alleges that media organizations like JDD, Cnews, and Europe 1 have fueled the harassment by reporting on the book without directly naming Violette & Co. but associating it with “anti-Israel” sentiment. This, they argue, created a climate of hostility that directly led to the attacks.
Standing in Solidarity: Why This Matters for Independent Bookstores and Free Speech
Violette & Co. has filed complaints with the public prosecutor and is pursuing legal action against those responsible for the harassment and defamation. Despite the intimidation, the bookstore has refused to remove the books from its window, declaring its commitment to intellectual freedom and its support for Palestinian voices. This act of defiance is a powerful statement in the face of escalating extremism.
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This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent bookstores and the importance of defending free speech, even – and especially – when it involves controversial topics. The attacks on Violette & Co. are not simply about a bookstore; they are about silencing dissenting voices and creating a climate of fear. Stay informed, support independent businesses, and engage in respectful dialogue about complex issues. Archyde will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. For more breaking news and in-depth analysis, visit Archyde.com regularly.
