The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon inside one of the exhibition halls. Police said a 21-year-old woman from Poznań and a 26-year-old man from Warsaw were apprehended by Military Police and handed over to local authorities after an unidentified red substance was poured on the stand.
The organizer said a liquid with an unpleasant odor was spilled, prompting the State Fire Service to secure four nearby booths. The two suspects were detained for questioning.
The fair features more than a dozen Israeli exhibitors, including Elbit, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael. Their presence has stirred public controversy amid criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza. Protesters and left-wing lawmakers, the Razem party, oppose the participation of Israeli firms, saying the companies are showcasing weapons “battle-tested” in Gaza and used against civilians.
Organizers of other European shows have recently taken steps affecting Israeli displays. Last year France’s Eurosatory barred Israeli companies, while in June four Israeli stands at the Paris Air Show were closed and screened after owners refused to remove offensive weapons—of the kind used by Israeli forces in Gaza—from view.
Critics at MSPO also pointed to the April 2024 strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy, in which Polish volunteer Damian Soból was killed, alleging a combat drone made by Elbit—whose booth in Kielce was hit with red liquid—was used in the attack.
Police said the investigation into Wednesday’s incident is ongoing.
(jh)
Source: PAP