Vale Adelaide Writers Week. A literary icon succumbs to Israel pressure
The venerable Adelaide Writers’ Week, Australia’s largest ‘free’ literary festival, has canceled author, sociologist and supporter of the Palestinian people Randa Abdel-Fattah. What is fraud?
The scam is another free speech signaller and literary promoter led by Louise Adler bowing to Israeli pressure and canceling. Randi Abdulfettah‘s planned appearance.
“While we are in no way suggesting that Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah or her writings have any connection to the tragedy at Bondi, we have formed the view that, given her past statements, it would not be culturally sensitive to continue programming her at such an unprecedented time so soon after Bondi,” the board said in a statement.
The Australia Institute (TAI), where many people presented at the festival, withdrew their participation in the protest within hours, stating:
Censoring or canceling authors is not in the spirit of the open and free exchange of ideas.
Others will no doubt follow, and this Adelaide-based writer won’t be joining in either. MWM He understands that Festival Director Louise Adler disagrees with the decision and that there is pressure at Board level.
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Kim Wingerei is a businessman turned author and commentator. He is passionate about freedom of expression, human rights, democracy and the politics of change. Originally from Norway, Kim has lived in Australia for 30 years. Author of ‘Why Democracy is Broken – A Blueprint for Change’.
