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		MEP in protest against anti-semitism Monday 12 May 2003 Conservative MEP Roger Helmer made a personal gesture of protest against anti-Semitism in the European Parliament when he took down an anti-Semitic banner displayed at a Palestinian exhibition in the European Parliament last week. The European Parliament played host to an exhibition, sponsored by the French MEP Alima Boumediene-Thiery, called "Apartheid israel" in which the words "Israel" and "Apartheid" were juxtaposed to form an inappropriate and racist comment, according to Helmer. The exhibition was even more inappropriate considering that it was deliberately featured during the week that Israel celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence. Mr Helmer was so incensed by the display that he removed the offending banner causing the organiser of the exhibition, to accuse Mr Helmer of "violent behaviour". Ms Boumediene-Thiery MEP later sent an email to the entire European Parliament accusing Mr Helmer of "an unworthy act" and of "aggression". Roger Helmer MEP, who has been a long-term campaigner for diplomacy and democratic resolution to conflict, said: "I removed what I, and others, considered to be an inflammatory and anti-Semitic message. "I am a strong proponent of free speech. But there comes a point at which free speech crosses the line and becomes national and racial abuse. This is such a case. "I committed no violence and hurt no one in my actions. It was a peaceful and personal protest and I identified myself to the organisers. "I have always stated that there can be no military settlement to the conflict in the Middle East and that a political settlement must lead to peace in the region. Our focus must lie on this." Mr Helmer has expressed surprise at the Parliament's decision to allow such a controversial exhibition at such a sensitive time. Earlier this month, Swedish MEP Jonas Sjostedt, was refused permission for an exhibition regarding genocide against the Armenians because of its "controversial character" & likelihood to "provoke serious political objection". Mr Helmer considers that this Exhibition also fell into this category, although the Parliament's administrative services disagreed.