The arrest of Palestinian journalist and co-founder of the Electronic Intifada (EI), Ali Abunimah, represents a grave attack on journalism and freedom of expression. Abunimah, whose work has been pivotal in exposing Zionist colonialism and amplifying Palestinian voices, was arrested on Saturday in Zurich, Switzerland.

After being questioned for an hour by police at Zurich Airport on Friday, Abunimah was initially allowed entry into the country. However, the Swiss Federal Office of Police subsequently issued a travel ban against him. Mario Fehr, Government Councillor and head of the Department of Security, was reported as stating: “We do not want an Islamist Jew-hater who calls for violence in Switzerland.”

Abunimah was invited by the Palestine Committee Zurich to speak at an event focused on media, advocacy, and the Palestinian struggle. The event has since been cancelled, illustrating the intensifying crackdown on Palestinian voices and narratives. This arrest follows closely on the heels of the raid on EI associate editor Asa Winstanley’s home by counterterrorism police in London just three months ago.

Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa, condemned the arrest, stating:

“We are deeply concerned by Ali Abunimah’s arrest in Zurich on the false accusation that he poses a security threat. This is the latest example of states nakedly employing their power to censor and silence Palestinian advocacy. Abunimah’s arrest once again exposes the hypocrisy of the self-proclaimed liberal democracies and the mainstream media, which has stayed silent. We at Friends of Al-Aqsa stand in full solidarity with Ali Abunimah and our comrades at Electronic Intifada, and we call for his immediate release.”

This incident highlights a broader pattern of anti-Palestinian repression, targeting journalists and advocates who challenge oppressive narratives. The arrest of Abunimah is a stark reminder of the continued silencing of Palestinian voices and the urgent need to defend press freedom and human rights.

For media inquiries, please contact: sharaiz@foa.org.uk