Journalist Richard Medhurst, known for his critical reporting on the Israeli genocide in Gaza, was detained by Austrian authorities this week following a raid on his home and studio.

Police seized all his electronic devices and accused him of being “a member of Hamas” and encouraging “terrorism”—charges that carry a potential sentence of up to over 10 years in prison.

Medhurst described the raid as a “trap”, stating that he was threatened with his residency being revoked after a brief interrogation. “They seized my phone and ransacked my place, turning my studio upside down,” he said, adding that authorities photographed his belongings and seized years’ worth of journalistic tools.

He linked his detention to pressure from the UK, emphasizing British involvement in the decision to have him arrested. “This is state violence and an attack on the entire profession, freedom of speech, and democracy,” Medhurst stressed.