'Criminalizing pro-Palestine journalism': UN experts, activists slam Swiss arrest of journalist Ali Abunimah

United Nations experts and social media activists have strongly denounced the arrest of a prominent Palestinian-American journalist in the Swiss city of Zurich, saying it raised concerns about freedom of speech in Western countries.

Swiss Police arrested Ali Abunimah, who is the co-founder and executive director of pro-Palestine news outlet The Electronic Intifada (EI), on Saturday.

Abunimah arrived at Zurich airport on Friday and was questioned by the police for an hour before being allowed to enter the Swiss city. He was arrested the following day ahead of a speaking event.

Pro-Palestinian advocacy group Swiss Action for Human Rights launched a petition to release Abunimah on Sunday.

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories, in a post on the X social media platform voiced concerns over the state of freedom of expression and media freedom in Europe.

“The climate surrounding freedom of speech in Europe is becoming increasingly toxic, and we should all be concerned,” said Albanese.

The UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, also called the arrest “shocking news” and urged Switzerland to investigate and release him.

Dr. Jill Stein, who is an American physicist and activist, said arresting journalists cannot stop a growing tide around the globe against the Israeli genocide of Palestinians. She was the Green Party's nominee for president of the United States in 2012, 2016, and 2024

Craig Mokhiber, an American former United Nations (UN) human rights official and a specialist in international human rights law, said that the detention of Abunimah was an effort to silence the journalist on behalf of Israel and its lobby in Switzerland.

He further denounced his arrest as a blatant act of aggression taken on behalf of the apartheid regime of Israel.

Glenn Greenwald, an American journalist, author, and former lawyer said the crackdown on free speech in the West is on the rise to shield Israel and cover up its crimes.

Asad Abukhalil, a prominent professor at California State University, said Zionists have increasingly suppressed freedom of speech in all Western countries.

Abby Martin, an American journalist, TV presenter and activist, said the mainstream media had a lack of impartiality in its coverage of Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the blockaded Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian Youth Movement said Abunimah's arrest was proof that the Western freedom of speech was a sham.

Ramy Abdu, professor of law and finance and chairman of Swiss-based EuroMed rights group, said that the journalist's arrest represents a shocking adoption of Israeli incitement by Swiss authorities.

Michael Wallace, an Irish politician, former property developer, and former member of the European Parliament (MEP) said Western powers were drifting to authoritarianism.

Jeremy Scahill, who is an American activist, author, and investigative journalist, says the European government should stop the vicious campaign of silencing pro-Palestinian journalists. Scahill is a founding editor of the online news publication The Intercept and author of Blackwater.

Ramzy Baroud, an author, syndicated columnist, and editor of Palestine Chronicle said Abunimah's detention show how European governments were distancing from basic democratic principles.

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