Punished for Palestine: The global cost of having a conscience
A weekly report on the people silenced, exiled, or criminalized for standing with Palestine.
Since October 2023, hundreds of people across the globe have been punished for standing with Palestine.
They’ve lost jobs. Faced arrest. Endured online abuse, community exile, surveillance, and physical violence—for acts as simple as holding a placard, sharing a post, or refusing to look away.
In this series, Punished for Palestine, The Debrief Network documents the backlash against those who speak out—against genocide, against occupation, and against the systems that enable both.
These stories are not isolated. They are part of a growing global pattern of repression against anyone who stands up for Palestine.
The people we feature each week remind us what it means to take a stand and what it costs.
Dana Mustafa: deported for trying to join the march
Dana Mustafa recounts the harrowing tale of her deportation from Egypt after she attempted to join the Global March to Rafah.
Her story is a chilling reminder of how border control is being weaponised to silence solidarity.
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Nijmegen, Netherlands
At Radboud University, student protestors stood in solidarity with Palestine.
Police responded with batons and dogs. It’s become a familiar sight—young people across the world punished for dissenting on campus.
Is this what free speech looks like in 2025?
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
The digital frontline
This young activist was detained—for an Instagram story.
A sentence. A frame. A show of solidarity. That’s all it took to become a threat.
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Melanie Schweizer: fired, but unapologetic
Melanie Schweizer, a German lawyer and civil servant, was fired for speaking out for Palestine.
She lost her job, reputation, and career—but not her conviction.
“I have no regrets.”
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Being Jewish and anti-Zionist
South African writer Megan Choritz has long stood for Palestinian rights.
But this time, when she spoke out, her own community turned on her.
To be Jewish and anti-Zionist is not a contradiction. But for many, it comes at a cost.
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Gaza’s medical workers under fire
Doctors are being deliberately targeted, according to healthcare workers.
And those who amplify their testimonies are punished too.
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Inside Israel: empathy seen as betrayal
Marthie Momberg, Israeli author of 21 Voices, documents the backlash Israelis face when they choose humanity over ideology.
“They treat your compassion like a betrayal.”
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Pretoria, South Africa
South Africa may be leading the charge against Israel at the ICJ—but right here at home, protestors were beaten, arrested, and silenced for the very same stance.
Where is the break in communication between state and street?
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
Five protestors were arrested as part of the @redcardisrael campaign. Their lawyer says the arrest was illegal.
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
South Africa’s ongoing solidarity
As an aid vessel is targeted, voices from South Africa refuse to stay silent.
Across oceans and borders, the global call for justice rings out—louder than ever.
Produced by: Ayesha Vahed
This is not about Palestine alone.
This is about the growing global crackdown on dissent—and what it costs to be human in dehumanizing times.
Have you been punished for your stance?
Reach out. Your story matters