The Arrest of Palestinian Legal Scholar Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian Sparks Outrage
The recent arrest of Palestinian legal scholar Prof. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian has sparked outrage and raised concerns about academic freedom and free speech in Israel. Shalhoub-Kevorkian, a leading feminist academic with roles at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Queen Mary, University of London, was arrested on April 17 after appearing on a podcast where she discussed her work on state crimes, genocide, violence, and surveillance in the context of the war in Gaza.
The arrest of Shalhoub-Kevorkian was described by her lawyers as “political” and could potentially set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of academics who go against the consensus during wartime. She was subjected to a strip search, interrogation, denied access to basic necessities like food, water, and medication, and held in a cold cell overnight before being released on bail the next day. Her personal items were also confiscated during the arrest.
Israeli police claimed that Shalhoub-Kevorkian was being investigated on suspicion of incitement to terrorism, violence, and racism. However, a magistrate deemed that she did not pose a threat after her arrest, leading to her release. This incident has raised concerns about the increasing crackdown on freedom of speech in Israel, with many Palestinian citizens being arrested for criticizing the government.
Hassan Jabareen, Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s lawyer and director of human rights organization Adalah, criticized the manner in which the arrest was carried out, stating that it was meant to humiliate her rather than conduct a proper investigation. He emphasized that all arrests related to freedom of speech issues must be signed off by Israel’s attorney general, and Shalhoub-Kevorkian has been ordered to return for further questioning.
The international academic community has condemned Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s arrest and treatment. Over 100 colleagues from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem published a letter in support of her, while 250 academics at Queen Mary signed a separate letter denouncing the attack on academic freedom in Israel. The Hebrew University also issued a statement of support, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values even when faced with controversial opinions.
The arrest of Prof. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian highlights the growing challenges faced by academics who dare to speak out against government policies or engage in critical research. The incident has sparked a debate about the limits of academic freedom and the protection of free speech in Israel. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the future of academic discourse and freedom of expression in the country.