UN experts decry arrest of pro-Palestinian American journalist in Switzerland

27/1/2025 11:41

U.N. human rights experts and activists condemned on Sunday the arrest of an American, pro-Palestinian journalist in the Swiss city of Zurich, saying it raised

concerns about freedom of speech.



Ali Abunimah, the executive director of online publication Electronic Intifada - which calls itself "Palestine's weapon of mass instruction" - was arrested by Swiss police on Saturday ahead of a speech in Zurich, the organisation said in a statement.



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 in a post on the X social media platform.