The venerable Adelaide Writers Week, Australia’s largest ‘free’ literary festival, has announced the cancellation of Randa Abdel-Fattah, author, sociologist and supporter of the Palestinian people. What’s the scam?
The scam is that another beacon of free speech and promoter of literature, headed by Louise Adler, has announced they have caved in to Israel lobbying pressure and cancelled Randi Abdel-Fattah‘s scheduled appearance.
“Whilst we do not suggest in any way that Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah’s or her writings have any connection with the tragedy at Bondi, given her past statements, we have formed the view that it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi.”
Within hours, The Australia Institute (TAI), which had several people presenting at the Festival, have withdrawn their participation in protest, stating,
Censoring or cancelling authors is not in the spirit of an open and free exchange of ideas.
Others will no doubt follow, and this Adelaide-based writer will not be attending either.
Antisemitism? St Vincent’s heartless treatment of cardiologist who asked a question