The So-Called “Free Speech Warriors” – Even in Switzerland, Speaking Out Can Get You Arrested
The So-Called “Free Speech Warriors” – Even in Switzerland, Speaking Out Can Get You Arrested
Regional context
He was not allowed to enter switzerland because Fedpol feared that he calls for violence and actively promotes Hamas (which Switzerland considers a terror organisation). As he crossed the border anyway, he got arrested and deported.
You can’t enter a country without a visa and wonder why you get arrested…
If that's the conclusion you've arrived at after reading nazi-friendly content, then you're probably a nazi too.
Ali Abunimah was born and raised in the U.S., so we can safely assume he possesses the U.S. citizenship and passport. What does Switzerland's official immigration website have to say about U.S. citizens? Oh yeah, that's right, you get full-on red carpet drawn for you:
And if the state designates an organization as a terrorist group, then that's that right? We can just throw away our critical thinking (assuming we had any in the first place) and let the state known for rubbing elbows with nazis do the thinking for us, right? Piss off with that racist bullshit.
Note that while entering the Schengen area does not require a visa for USA citizens, you do have to get a visa waiver which is subject to limitations. See this document.
The words "islamist" or "islamism" are so utterly meaningless nowadays. Basically means "brown person whose opinion we don't like".
I mean, there are things to critizise about him. But anyone who calls him an islamist juts shows his bigotry or utter stupidity.
(US citizens also don't need a visa to enter Switzerland, but that is a technicality.)
I have not enough knowledge about him to say if it was reasonable to not let him in, but his post on X seemed to celebrate destruction and murder.
I think it is in the manner of “better safe than sorry” it is reasonable to not give this man a visa. And I very much hope that a person celebrating Israel’s attacks would neither.
In much of Europe speaking out can get you arrested. Many of us don't believe in universally free speech, starting at insults and hate speech.
Screen shots aren't articles. And that one is 2 days old.
Here's a followup article with more details.Approving a crime (in public) is a crime in most parts of Europe.
I live in europe and i will not be silenced, certain crimes are not just permissible they're a moral good!
Adobe is evil, if you need their products then pirate it!
don't even pirate adobe products. any adobe software is a rootkit nalware in itself
I don't recall him supporting Israeli occupation.
If you're talking about October 7, Hamas was restrained beyond belief, given that they have the right to resist their occupiers and torturers by any means necessary.
Oh really? Can you show me some examples of anyone being arrested for approving of Israel's crimes?
Oh wait people are upset that Switzerland didn't want a terrorist sympathizer in their country?
Thats like being upset that countries don't allow Tommy Robinson in.
So most countries should kick out Israel supporters? That beeper attack was a state sponsored terrorist attack.
Mossad and the IDF are 100% terrorist organizations so I'd be fine with that yeah.
What, did you think that was a gotcha moment?
Go touch some grass.