Switzerland detains journalist with Palestinian-American citizenship
Electronic Intifada founder Ali Abunimah was detained just prior to his scheduled speaking engagement in Zurich. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
It remains uncertain whether Ali Abunimah, founder of Electronic Intifada, has been formally charged with any crime.
According to Electronic Intifada, the pro-Palestine news outlet he operates, Abunimah was arrested in Zurich, Switzerland, just hours before he was scheduled to speak at an event there. His detention took place on Saturday, and while the outlet reported that he has had access to legal counsel, details about any charges against him are not clear.
Prior to his arrest, on Friday, the 53-year-old journalist was interrogated by law enforcement for about an hour upon his arrival at Zurich Airport.
“Abunimah’s arrest appears to be part of a growing backlash from Western governments against expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people,” Electronic Intifada stated.
Abunimah, who was born in Washington D.C. to parents from the West Bank, co-founded Electronic Intifada in 2001. The site focuses on reporting Middle Eastern events from a Palestinian viewpoint, and Abunimah frequently appears on mainstream media to advocate for the Palestinian cause.
His arrest follows a precedent set just three months prior when British police raided the home of Asa Winstanley, the associate editor of Electronic Intifada. At dawn, nearly a dozen officers entered Winstanley's home in London, seizing various electronic devices as part of an investigation concerning possible “encouragement of terrorism” linked to his social media activity. Winstanley was not arrested or charged with any wrongdoing.
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in October 2023, several pro-Palestinian activists, including Mick Napier and Tony Greenstein, have been apprehended by British police. Additionally, in August, journalist Richard Medhurst was arrested on allegations of “expressing an opinion or a belief that is supportive of a proscribed organization.” Although he was released, police confiscated his phone and work equipment, and he was subjected to a search and questioning.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee responded to Abunimah’s arrest, stating it “appears to be a direct result of his outspoken advocacy.” The organization urged the U.S. State Department to intervene on his behalf.
As of now, the State Department has not provided any commentary regarding Abunimah's arrest.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
According to Electronic Intifada, the pro-Palestine news outlet he operates, Abunimah was arrested in Zurich, Switzerland, just hours before he was scheduled to speak at an event there. His detention took place on Saturday, and while the outlet reported that he has had access to legal counsel, details about any charges against him are not clear.
Prior to his arrest, on Friday, the 53-year-old journalist was interrogated by law enforcement for about an hour upon his arrival at Zurich Airport.
“Abunimah’s arrest appears to be part of a growing backlash from Western governments against expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people,” Electronic Intifada stated.
Abunimah, who was born in Washington D.C. to parents from the West Bank, co-founded Electronic Intifada in 2001. The site focuses on reporting Middle Eastern events from a Palestinian viewpoint, and Abunimah frequently appears on mainstream media to advocate for the Palestinian cause.
His arrest follows a precedent set just three months prior when British police raided the home of Asa Winstanley, the associate editor of Electronic Intifada. At dawn, nearly a dozen officers entered Winstanley's home in London, seizing various electronic devices as part of an investigation concerning possible “encouragement of terrorism” linked to his social media activity. Winstanley was not arrested or charged with any wrongdoing.
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in October 2023, several pro-Palestinian activists, including Mick Napier and Tony Greenstein, have been apprehended by British police. Additionally, in August, journalist Richard Medhurst was arrested on allegations of “expressing an opinion or a belief that is supportive of a proscribed organization.” Although he was released, police confiscated his phone and work equipment, and he was subjected to a search and questioning.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee responded to Abunimah’s arrest, stating it “appears to be a direct result of his outspoken advocacy.” The organization urged the U.S. State Department to intervene on his behalf.
As of now, the State Department has not provided any commentary regarding Abunimah's arrest.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
