Palestinian author excluded from Australian festival
The decision by Australia's Adelaide Festival to cancel the participation of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah sparked a wave of protests in the artistic community. The festival was responding to the December shooting at Bondi Beach, in which 15 people were killed during a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
The board argued that in this "unprecedented situation," her participation would not be culturally sensitive. The author called it an act of racism and censorship.
The result is a boycott by approximately 50 authors and the resignation of the chairman and three members of the festival's board.
In response to the December attack, the government is also adopting stricter laws against hate speech, including the possibility of closing illegal prayer rooms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is planning parliamentary measures, while the Premier of New South Wales has introduced controversial rules to restrict hate preachers. These have been criticized for potentially threatening freedom of expression.
(reuters, pir)