PEN International ‘deeply concerned’ by Palestinian poet’s reported arrest by Israeli forces

PEN International ‘deeply concerned’ by Palestinian poet’s reported arrest by Israeli forces

PEN International is deeply concerned by the arrest of Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour by Israeli authorities in the early hours of 11 October 2015.

According to reports, Israeli security forces raided Tatour’s home in the northern Israeli city of Reineh, near Nazareth, and took her into custody, where she was held overnight before being taken to the Magistrate Court in Nazareth and subsequently released on bail.

The Israeli police allege that Tatour posted a video of herself reading a poem on YouTube, and is accused of inciting violence and support for a terrorist organization. If found guilty, Tatour could face up to five years in prison.

Tatour’s arrest is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Palestinian writers and artists for alleged incitement of violence against Israeli authorities.

PEN International calls for Dareen Tatour’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as the cessation of all measures that restrict freedom of expression in direct violation of international law.

We remind the Israeli authorities of their responsibility to comply with international law and to recognize the right of every individual to express their opinion freely and peacefully, without fear of reprisal.