This is the latest installment of our press freedom round-up, recapping the latest attacks on journalists, their right to publish, and our right to know. Hereโs the news for the week of January 25, 2025.
FPF: Senate should not confirm Patel for FBI director
Freedom of the Press Foundation issued a statement opposing Senate’s confirmation of Trump’s nominee for FBI director Kash Patel:
“Patel has threatened to turn the government into a weapon of revenge against opponents of President Donald Trump, including journalists.”
Rights groups urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to press Patel on his past comments on seeking out leakers in the government and the media and their ramifications for press freedom.
Author and journalist Ali Abunimah arrested in Switzarland
Palestinian-American author and journalist, and the executive director of Electronic Intifada, Ali Abunimah was arrested by Swiss police in Zurich on January 25, where he was to hold a speaking tour.
The arrest was condemned by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, UN experts Irene Khan and Francesca Albanese, Article 19 and others.
Switzerland deported Abunimah after 2 nights and 3 days in jail.
Following the deportation Abunimah wrote:
“I was abducted… handcuffed, forced into an unmarked car and sped straight to the prison. My ‘crime’? Being a journalist who speaks up for Palestine and against Israelโs genocide and settler-colonial savagery and those who aid and abet it.”
Charges dropped against Portland journalist Alissa Azar
Trespass charges against journalist Alissa Azar, who was arrested in May 2024 while filming a student-led pro-Palestine protest at Oregonโs Portland State University, have been dropped by the Multnomah County District Attorney.