The Adelaide Writers Festival in Australia, one of the country’s most prominent literary events, was cancelled after more than 180 authors boycotted it in protest against the festival management’s decision not to invite Palestinian‑Australian author Randa Abdel‑Fattah.
The festival director resigned, stating that she could not be part of an event that suppressed a Palestinian voice and warning that the decision threatened freedom of expression.
Abdel‑Fattah described the ban as clear anti‑Palestinian racism and a suppression of freedom of expression.
Many prominent international authors from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States had previously withdrawn from participation, increasing pressure on the festival management, which ultimately led to the complete cancellation of the event.
