Palestinian-American Journalist Ali Abunimah Arrested in Switzerland
Police in Switzerland have detained Palestinian-American journalist Ali Abunimah ahead of his speaking engagement in Zurich. Electronic Intifada, the pro-Palestine news outlet he founded, reported his arrest on Saturday. It’s unclear if Abunimah has been charged with a crime, but he has access to legal counsel.
The 53-year-old journalist was first questioned by officers for an hour upon arrival at Zurich Airport a day prior to his detention. Electronic Intifada suggested that Abunimah’s arrest could be part of a growing backlash against expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people from Western governments.
Born in Washington D.C., Abunimah co-founded Electronic Intifada in 2001, reporting on Middle East events from a Palestinian perspective and advocating for their cause on mainstream networks.
This incident follows similar arrests of pro-Palestinian activists and journalists in the UK. In November, British police raided the home of Electronic Intifada’s associate editor, Asa Winstanley, investigating him for possible “encouragement of terrorism” related to his social media posts. Mick Napier, Tony Greenstein, and Richard Medhurst have also been arrested under similar circumstances since October 2023.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee condemned Abunimah’s arrest, calling it a direct result of his outspoken advocacy, and urged the U.S. State Department to intervene. As of now, the State Department has not commented on the matter.