GENEVA – U.N. human rights experts and activists have condemned the arrest of an American, pro-Palestinian journalist in the Swiss city of Zurich, saying it raises concerns about freedom of speech.
Ali Abunimah, the executive director of online publication Electronic Intifada, was arrested by Swiss police on Saturday ahead of a speech in Zurich. Swiss police confirmed that a 53-year-old American had been arrested, citing an entry ban, and said further measures under its immigration law were being considered.
The U.N. Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, called the arrest “shocking news” and urged Switzerland to investigate and release him. “The climate surrounding freedom of speech in Europe is becoming increasingly toxic, and we should all be concerned,” said Francesca Albanese, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories.
Pro-Palestinian advocacy group Swiss Action for Human Rights launched a petition to release Abunimah on Sunday. A spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Bern said it was providing appropriate consular assistance after seeing reports of the arrest of a U.S. citizen, declining further comment.
