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

PEN International is deeply concerned by reports of the reported arrest of Palestinian poet and journalist Dareen Tatour.

According to reports, Tatour was arrested in her home in Reineh, Nazareth at approximately 3am on Sunday 29 October. She is believed to have been placed under arrest as part of an investigation into criticism of the Israeli military’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories online.

Tatour has been previously arrested and was convicted and sentenced in May 2018 under a vague and overly broad interpretation of the Israeli Information and Cybercrime Prevention law for incitement to violence and support for a terrorist organisation, for which she served five months in prison and three years’ probation. She has also been under house arrest and was not allowed to use a phone or computer, except during limited times in cafes in order to publish her work.

PEN International has called for Tatour’s immediate and unconditional release from custody and for all charges against her to be dropped.

PEN International urges the Israeli authorities to protect the right to freedom of expression for all citizens and to guarantee Tatour’s safety and well-being.