Euro-Med condemns Switzerland’s arrest of journalist Abunimah, urges release

The Geneva-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor condemns the arrest of Ali Abunimah, the Electronic Intifada’s executive director, urging Swiss authorities for the release of the Palestinian-American journalist.

On Sunday, Euro-Med strongly condemned the Swiss authorities’ arrest of Abunimah before his participation at the pro-Palestine solidarity event in Zurich.

Abunimah was arrested on Saturday just hours after he arrived in Zurich for a scheduled speaking tour to lecture about the current situation of the Israeli occupation and the ongoing persecution of Palestinians, Electronic Intifada said.

“When he arrived at Zurich airport on Friday, Abunimah was questioned by police for an hour before being allowed to enter the country,” it said, adding that he was arrested the next day.

“He is currently being detained and has had access to legal counsel,” it added.

According to the Euro-Med Abunimah’s arrest is a “concerning and dangerous development that reflects a growing trend in Western governments to censor free speech and target journalists and activists who document the suffering of victims and stand up for Palestinian rights, all in blatant defiance of pressure and incitement.”

Swiss police arrest executive director of Electronic Intifada news outlet

Swiss Police arrest Ali Abunimah, a Palestinian-American journalist who is the co-founder and executive director of pro-Palestine news outlet The Electronic Intifada (EI).

“This arbitrary arrest gives the false impression that showing solidarity with the victims of the Israeli occupation peacefully is now illegal,” it added.

Euro-Med expressed extreme concern about the action taken by Swiss authorities, saying it marked a new low for their respect for human rights, especially in a country that takes pride in “upholding democratic principles and protecting fundamental liberties.”

“Targeting journalists and human rights advocates is indicative of a significant decline in European governments’ dedication to upholding human rights and freedom of expression,” it said.

“All international organizations, institutions, and journalists’ unions must express their strong opposition to these persistent abuses and seek to protect the rights of journalists and activists, particularly those who represent under-represented groups,” it added.

Demonstrators at a pro-Palestine solidarity protest in Geneva on Saturday said Abunimah’s arrest “has no legal basis.”

Euro-Med called on Swiss authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the detained Palestinian journalist, making sure that his legal and human rights are respected.

The human rights advocacy group also noted that the incarceration of Abunimah in the European country is part of a larger campaign all across Europe’s capitals aimed at harassing and repressing pro-Palestinians who advocate the human rights of Palestinians killed and oppressed by the child-murdering Israeli regime.

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