Recently, Switzerland deported the Palestinian American journalist Ali Abunimah. The Washington Center strongly criticized this action. Ali’s detention and expulsion are a clear signal that people don’t have the right to speak openly, especially in favor of Palestinian rights.
Ali Abunimah, Executive Director of The Electronic Intifada, came to Zurich for a series of events. After his arrival, Swiss authorities kept him in custody at the airport for questioning. Without answering these questions, he is not allowed to enter the nation. Later on, the authorities said that Ali Abunimah violated Swiss legal laws but did not give any proof of this claim.
He was detained for approximately 3 days. During this period, Swiss intelligence agents interrogated him in isolation. He was not allowed to communicate with any outsider and was given only water. According to reports from different sources, plainclothes officers violently arrested him, forcing him into an unmarked vehicle without revealing his destination. He was later deported to Istanbul.
According to Abunimah, his experience was less as compared to Palestinian daily suffering in Israel’s prison. Washington Center strongly condemned his arrest because it was an open attack on free speech.
Widespread outrage
Along with the Washington Center, UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan called this action by Switzerland’s authorities “shocking” and demanded an immediate investigation.
One of the UN experts on Palestinian rights, Francesca Albanese, said that over time Europe’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices is becoming “toxic”.
Furthermore, the Geneva-based Euro-Med Monitor related this arrest to a trend to surpass the voices of activists. Washington Center is calling for an immediate end to such repression.
This is not a unique instance. Germany barred British physician Ghassan Abu Sittah from entering the country earlier this year and postponed a seminar on Palestinian rights. Authorities in the UK have targeted journalists who criticize Israel with counterterrorism laws.
Since the war between Israel and Palestine started, more than 200 activists have been killed. This murder highlights the extreme danger faced by those who stand in favor of justice and expose human rights abuses.
Switzerland’s actions set a dangerous precedent In addition, its stringent banking secrecy has violated international anti-corruption initiatives by facilitating money laundering and providing sanctuary to dishonest politicians. Concerns have also been expressed about the nation’s handling of asylum seekers, including accounts of severe deportation procedures and cruel detention practices. Human rights violations are further highlighted by limits on freedom of expression and discrimination against migrants. Washington Center urges immediate accountability and calls on governments to respect press freedom and human rights.