Richard Medhurst says officials told him he is suspected of being a member of Hamas – an allegation he strongly denies
Independent British journalist Richard Medhurst, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, has said he was briefly detained by Austrian authorities on suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organization. He was similarly apprehended by UK police in August.
The Austrian-based Medhurst posted a video on his X account on Friday, claiming he had been “lured into a trap” when the local authorities summoned him for an interview last week. On arrival, officials informed him that they were considering revoking his residency because of his reporting on Gaza and Lebanon.
The British national was then “ambushed by a group of plainclothes agents,” who said “they were the Austrian equivalent of MI5 or the FBI,” Medhurst claimed. He was subsequently detained and served a search warrant, with officials saying he was suspected of being a member of Hamas, as well as “disseminating propaganda [and] encouraging terrorism,” according to the video.
The authorities allegedly searched his apartment and studio, impounding all his electronic devices. (more...)
Pro-Palestine British journalist detained in Austria
I was detained this week by the Austrian police and intelligence services.
— Richard Medhurst (@richimedhurst) February 6, 2025
They raided my house, office, and took all my devices.
They are accusing me of being a member of Hamas and threatened me with 10 years in prison.
Journalism is not a crime. pic.twitter.com/gztm4bmLuY
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