UN Experts, Activists Condemn Arrest of Palestinian Journalist in Switzerland
The arrest of prominent Palestinian journalist Ali Abunimah in Zurich has sparked international condemnation from United Nations human rights experts and activists, raising concerns about freedom of speech, Al Jazeera reports.
Abunimah, the executive director of the online publication Electronic Intifada, was detained by Swiss police on Saturday, just before he was scheduled to deliver a speech in the city, according to a statement from the website.
Swiss police have confirmed the arrest of the 53-year-old American citizen, citing an existing entry ban as the reason for his detention. They also indicated that further measures under Swiss immigration law are being considered.
The arrest has drawn swift criticism from human rights advocates. Irene Khan, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, described the situation as “shocking news” and urged Switzerland to investigate the matter and immediately release Abunimah. Khan made her statement on Sunday via the social media platform X.
Electronic Intifada, which describes itself as “Palestine’s weapon of mass instruction,” reported that Abunimah’s arrest came a day after his arrival in Zurich for a speaking tour. The pro-Palestinian advocacy group Swiss Action for Human Rights also launched a petition on Sunday demanding Abunimah’s release.
The United States embassy in Bern has acknowledged the arrest and stated they are providing “appropriate consular assistance” to the US citizen. However, the embassy declined to provide any further comment on the situation.
