Australian Literary Festival Cancelled After Banning Palestinian-Author

A major Australian literary festival has been cancelled after its organizers barred a prominent Palestinian-Author from appearing, citing cultural sensitivity. The Adelaide Writers’ Festival was called off this week. The decision followed public outcry over the exclusion of author Randa Abdel-Fattah. Festival organizers stated they barred Abdel-Fattah because "it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her." They did not provide further details. The author is a well-known Australian writer of Palestinian origin. The cancellation has sparked a fierce debate about free speech and cultural boycotts within the arts community. Many authors and publishers criticized the festival's initial decision to exclude Abdel-Fattah. The festival's board said the event became "untenable" following the controversy. All scheduled events for next month have been cancelled.