UN experts: Activists critical of Israel are not criminals
Following the arrest of the writer in Switzerland, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in occupied territories, has posted a message on the X social network expressing her concerns about the state of freedom of expression and media freedom in Europe.
United Nations experts and social media activists have strongly condemned the arrest of a prominent American journalist of Palestinian origin in the Swiss city of Zurich, saying it raises concerns about freedom of expression in Western countries.
Swiss police on Saturday arrested Ali Abunimah, who is the co-founder and executive director of the pro-Palestinian media outlet, The Electronic Intifada (EI).
Abunimah arrived at Zurich airport on Friday and was questioned by police for an hour before being allowed into the city. He was arrested the next day before he was due to address a rally.
Palestinian advocacy group Swiss Action for Human Rights has launched a call for Abunimah's release.
Following the arrest of the writer in Switzerland, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in occupied territories, has posted a message on the X social network expressing her concerns about the state of freedom of expression and media freedom in Europe.
"The environment surrounding freedom of expression in Europe is becoming increasingly toxic, we should all be concerned," said Albanese.
The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, has also called the arrest of Ali Abunimah "shocking news" and has called on Switzerland to investigate the incident and release him.
Dr. Jill Stein, an American physicist and activist, has said that arresting journalists will not stop the growing global tide of opposition to Israel’s genocide against Palestinians. Jill Stein, who was the Green Party’s nominee for US president in 2012, 2016, and 2024, said: Shame on the Swiss authorities for trying to silence the powerful voice of @AliAbunimah. Opposition to Israel’s genocide is growing in Europe and around the world. Arresting journalists will not stop this growing tide. #FreeAliAbunimah.
Craig Mokhiber, an American former United Nations (UN) human rights official and expert on international human rights law, said Abunimah's arrest in Switzerland is an effort to silence the writer on behalf of Israel and its pressure groups in Switzerland.
