United Nations human rights experts and activists have denounced the arrest of Palestinian journalist Ali Abunimah in Zurich, citing serious concerns about freedom of expression.
Abunimah, the executive director of the online publication Electronic Intifada, was detained by Swiss police on Saturday ahead of his scheduled speech. The platform, described as “Palestine’s weapon of mass instruction,” stated that Abunimah was questioned upon his arrival at Zurich airport before being permitted to enter the country. Swiss police later arrested him, citing an entry ban and potential immigration law measures.
UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan described the arrest as “shocking” and called for a thorough investigation and his release. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, warned that freedom of speech in Europe faces an increasingly hostile environment.
A pro-Palestinian advocacy group, Swiss Action for Human Rights, launched a petition demanding Abunimah’s release. Solidarity protests in Geneva criticized the arrest as legally unfounded and a violation of Switzerland’s constitutional right to free speech.
The US embassy in Bern confirmed providing consular assistance but declined further comment.
Electronic Intifada highlighted the arrest as part of what it described as a broader Western governmental backlash against pro-Palestinian activism. The publication noted previous arrests and raids on activists, including associate editor Asa Winstanley, in the United Kingdom under counterterrorism powers.
Demonstrators at the Geneva protest called for support for Abunimah and human rights activists, stressing that “speaking out against injustice in Palestine” and journalism should not be criminalized.
