Pressure on Freedom of Expression Intensifies in Europe; Journalist Arrested in Switzerland as Well

by Azusa Iwane | 31 January 2025 | Europe, GNV News, Journalism/speech, Law/human rights

GNV News, January 31, 2025

The independent online media outlet The Electronic Intifada reported that its chief executive and journalist, Ali Abunimah, was arrested by Swiss authorities, detained for two days, and then deported. The Electronic Intifada is a media outlet that expresses solidarity with Palestine, and Abunimah’s arrest and deportation by Swiss authorities are also seen as part of efforts by Western countries to suppress pro-Palestinian supporters in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to this view. One of the UN special rapporteurs, experts tasked with investigating and monitoring human rights conditions, stated on their X account that “the situation surrounding freedom of expression in Europe is becoming increasingly dire.”

Since the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict in 2023, Abunimah’s case is not the first time a journalist has been arrested in Europe. In the UK, a freelance journalist who had been posting YouTube videos focusing on the Israel-Hamas conflict was detained in September 2024 and had their electronic devices seized, and in October, a journalist reporting on the occupation of Palestine and Israel’s influence in the UK had their home raided and electronic devices seized. In both cases, UK authorities cited terrorism legislation as the basis for their investigations and detentions.

The escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict has caused immense harm to Palestinian civilians, and the International Court of Justice has suggested that Israel’s actions may amount to genocide. Meanwhile, across Europe, actions and demonstrations by citizens showing solidarity with Palestinians have been banned, reflecting a growing trend of restricting freedom of expression—one of the most fundamental human rights—and suppressing pro-Palestinian voices.

Learn more about restrictions on freedom of expression in Europe → “Freedom of Expression and Assembly in Europe Threatened by the Israel-Palestine Conflict”