Former weapons  inspector Scott Ritter is well known for his critiques of US and Western imperialism and his condemnation of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. In yet another example of the establishment’s financial war on dissent, Ritter has been ‘de-banked’ by the US-based Citizens Bank.

In a statement on X, Ritter said that the bank had taken his money and that he “may eventually see this money returned to me”. In a blog post on the de-banking, he added that both his ‘checking’ and savings accounts had been emptied:

Today my banking institution of 26 years, Citizens Bank, declared that they were ending their banking relationship with me. My accounts were zeroed out without explanation. While I may eventually see this money returned to me, the question of why this occurred remains unanswered, raising a whole host of issues related to civil liberties. I’ve been de-banked.

As well as his condemnation of Israel’s genocide, Ritter has also been a vocal critic of US support for the Ukraine war and has pointed out both the extent of Ukraine’s ‘nazification’ and massacres committed by Ukrainian police and troops.

While Ritter may consider the question of motive “unanswered”, the incident is the latest in a string of ‘de-banking’ attacks on figures and groups who voice dissent from the political-corporate machine’s preferred narratives – especially on Israel’s genocide and occupation. Victims include UK Jewish anti-Zionist Tony Greenstein and Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine. The Muslim Council of Britain has noted that British Muslims have also been disproportionately targeted.

Featured image via the Canary

By Skwawkbox

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