Palestinian American journalist Ali Abunimah claims Swiss authorities arrested him despite no threat [X]
Swiss authorities detained and expelled Palestinian journalist Ali Abunimah despite federal agencies rejecting a ban on his entry, newly obtained documents have revealed.
The executive director of The Electronic Intifada was forcibly taken by undercover police while walking in Zurich on his way to speak at an event about Palestine last month.
During his detention, Abunimah was reportedly locked in a cell 24 hours a day, denied access to his lawyer, and prevented from contacting his family. Swiss intelligence officers attempted to interrogate him without legal representation.
However, official documents recently obtained by The Electronic Intifada revealed that Switzerland’s federal police (Fedpol), immigration authorities, and the national intelligence service reviewed the case and determined no grounds for such a ban.
According to the documents, an assessment explicitly stated that criticism of Israel and discussions on genocide allegations were protected under freedom of speech, referencing similar arguments made at the International Criminal Court.
Fedpol concluded that Abunimah’s social media posts were protected under free speech laws and posed no concrete security threat. Despite these findings, Zurich police pushed for a ban once more, arguing that the journalist’s presence could stir unrest.
By that time, Abunimah had already entered the country. Hours after his arrival on 24 January, Fedpol reversed its stance, issuing an entry ban which was followed by an expulsion order the next day.
Following the allegations, Abunimah vowed to take legal action against Swiss authorities.
“My lawyers obtained documents proving Swiss authorities knew they had no justification to arrest me but did it anyway. I’m taking aggressive legal action to fight back and protect free speech,” he posted on X.
🚨Update on my imprisonment in🇨đź‡: My lawyers obtained documents proving Swiss authorities knew they had no justification to arrest me, but did it anyway. I’m taking aggressive legal action to fight back and protect free speech. Here’s how you can help: https://t.co/LEZnEw37Wp pic.twitter.com/yJWVaMoPMC
— Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) February 20, 2025
Switzerland, known for its decentralised federal system, grants individual cantons significant authority over domestic policy but national security remains under federal jurisdiction.
The reversal of Fedpol’s decision raised concerns among human rights organisations about political interference in Switzerland’s legal and immigration systems.
Human rights advocates have condemned the move as a crackdown on free speech and press freedoms. At the time of his arrest, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, urged Switzerland to investigate and release him in a post on the X social media platform.
“The climate surrounding freedom of speech in Europe is becoming increasingly toxic, and we should all be concerned,” said Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories.
Following the revelations, Abunimah has set up a GoGetFunding site to raise donations to finance his legal case.
The New Arab has contacted Switzerland’s federal police (Fedpol) for comment on the allegations.
