FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release – 15 March 2016
Palestinian supporters call on Immigration Minister to issue a visa to visiting Palestinian American journalist Ali Abunimah Palestine supporters around Australia are urging Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to issue a visa to Palestinian American writer and journalist Ali Abunimah to enable him to commence an Australian speaking tour next week.
Mr Abunimah, a US citizen, is scheduled to deliver lectures in various capital cities this month, as well as speaking at a major Media Symposium in Melbourne, but was denied a normal visitor’s visa. To date, he has not heard if his application for a recommended Temporary Work visa has been granted. He is due to fly out of Chicago for Australia this Friday.
“We are stunned by this turn of events,” said Australians for Palestine co-chair Nasser Mashni. “In 2008, Mr Abunimah came to Australia to speak on the 60th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) without any trouble at all. He is a much sought-after speaker around the world and has never been denied a visa before.”
Mr Abunimah is a journalist and co-founder of the highly acclaimed independent online publication “The Electronic Intifada. He is also the author of two books, One Country: a Bold Proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian Impasse and The Battle for Justice in Palestine.
“What makes this situation particularly bizarre,” explained Mr Mashni, “is that earlier this month, Ret Lt General of the Israeli Defence Force Benny Gantz was granted a visa by the Australian government to promote Israel’s illegal settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to raise funds for that purpose.”
“Mr Abunimah should be given an equal chance to present the Palestinian narrative,” continued Mr Mashni, “particularly since Mr Gantz was responsible for two major Israeli offensives against the Palestinians, the most recent being in 2014 which killed more than 2000 Palestinians and wounded over 10,000 men, women and children.”
“Preventing Mr Abunimah from speaking here,” said Mr Mashni “is tantamount to censorship. He has not been accused of anything that warrants such measures: he has certainly never advocated violence in his advocacy for Palestinian human rights and raising awareness about their struggle for justice and freedom from Israel’s Occupation is his fundamental right to free speech.”
“We hope that the Australian Government will issue the visa in accordance with the democratic values and fair play we expect from this country,” concluded Mr Mashni.
For further information contact
Nasser Mashni on 0437 990 415
