Top Writers Boycott Festival After Pro-Palestine Author is Dropped
Part of composite article Russia's Covert War on the West Intensifies View full article →
More than two dozen writers and a sponsor have pulled out of Adelaide Writers' Week. They are protesting the festival's decision to remove Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from its program.
The festival said it cut Abdel-Fattah due to "cultural sensitivity" concerns. This follows a recent terror attack in Bondi. The author is known for her support of Palestinian rights.
Prominent author Michelle de Kretser, a winner of the Miles Franklin Award, is among those boycotting. Several other speakers are also expected to withdraw.
Organizers now face significant disruption to one of Australia's major literary events. The boycott highlights ongoing global debates about free speech and cultural boycotts.