Hebrew U., law prof. forum call for release of Prof. Shalhoub-Kevorkian, citing free speech

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Author: EVE YOUNG
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

She was arrested on suspicion of incitement, after the lecturer had accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and also denied the sexual abuse crimes committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 massacre, according to Israeli media

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside her hearing Friday, to protest what protest organization Free Jerusalem called "fascist silencing of discontent."

"People are arrested for any criticism. Especially Palestinians. Yet anti-Palestinian, genocidal calls run free. Racist system," said the organization on X.

Free speech and academic freedom

Hebrew U. denounced the professor's statements, but expressed concern over the arrest.

"In a democratic country there must not be arrests based on such statements, no matter how infuriating they are," said the university.

The law forum also called for her release, saying that the arrest and investigation of Shalhoub-Kevorkian "seriously harms free speech and academic freedom."

The forum insisted...