Jan 25, 2025

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is outraged by news reports of the arrest of Ali Abunimah—founder and Executive Director of The Electronic Intifada and a prominent Palestinian rights advocate—by Swiss authorities. Mr. Abunimah, a United States citizen, has long been a committed voice against Israel’s injustices in Palestine, and his arrest appears to be a direct result of his outspoken advocacy. 

In a statement posted by Electronic Intifada, Abunimah was arrested by Swiss police ahead of a speaking event in Zurich on Saturday afternoon. He is currently being detained and has had access to legal counsel. The arrest came one day after Abunimah arrived in Zurich for a speaking tour. When he arrived at Zurich airport on Friday, Abunimah was questioned by police for an hour before being allowed to enter the country.

ADC condemns the targeting of a journalist and human rights advocate for exercising freedom of expression. Speaking out against injustice in Palestine is not, and should never be considered, a crime. Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are universal fundamental rights that must be protected, not punished.

ADC stands in full solidarity with Abunimah and urgently demands his immediate release. We call on the U.S. State Department to fulfill its responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens abroad and do what it can to secure the safe and immediate release of Abunimah. 

Abunimah’s arrest is a stark reminder of the increasing attempts to stifle voices calling for justice and accountability. We stand resolutely in support of journalists and advocates who risk their freedom and lives to expose human rights abuses and demand a more just and equitable world. We urge governments worldwide, and especially U.S. allies, to respect the fundamental freedoms of speech, expression, and press. Efforts to silence those who defend Palestinian rights set a dangerous precedent and must be unequivocally condemned.

ADC will continue to monitor this case closely and work with our partners, supporters, and the broader civil and human rights communities to ensure that justice prevails. We will not relent in defending Abunimah’s right to speak truth to power—or anyone else’s right to do the same.

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