A day after the US arm of the free-speech organisation PEN “expressed outrage at the harassment and confinement in a mental institution of South African psychologist and novelist Zainub Priya Dala (ZP Dala) exacted in reprisal for her comments in appreciation of the writing” of writer Salman Rushdie, the South African writer on Sunday issued a series of tweets clarifying the situation.
She said that while she was indeed under psychiatric treatment in Durban, she had gone to the hospital voluntarily.
Three weeks ago, shortly she reportedly expressed admiration for the Indian-born author’s works, Dala had been confronted by assailants who hit her in the face with a brick and called her a “Rushdie bitch”. She suffered a mild concussion, facial injuries and a hairline fracture.
After the attack, said PEN, Durban’s Muslims had “ostracised Dala, putting her under extreme pressure to renounce her statement about Rushdie's work…and to make a public vow of religious loyalty to Islam”.
It added, “When she continued to refuse to make a religious vow or other statements inconsistent with her personal beliefs she was admitted to a mental institution. A psychologist by profession, Dala is the mother of a young child and ultimately consented to go to the hospital to avoid intense and intrusive harassment at her home. She also reports continued questioning about her beliefs by hospital staff.”
Dala's tweets cast her confinement in a slightly different light. (Tweet number four is not visible on her timeline. It is unclear whether she deleted it or whether her state of confusion led her to give the posts wrong numbers.)
She said that while she was indeed under psychiatric treatment in Durban, she had gone to the hospital voluntarily.
T1: I am admitted to St.Joseph's Psychiatric Wing it was diagnosed that I have PTSD. No, I was not dragged kicking and screaming here
— ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T2: I spoke to a religious leader as I was in turmoil and his views were that I be admitted here so I can reflect on my religion and imaan — ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T3: I then reluctantly came in for admission and soon realised I won't be left alone as a staff member recognised me and the news spread — ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
Three weeks ago, shortly she reportedly expressed admiration for the Indian-born author’s works, Dala had been confronted by assailants who hit her in the face with a brick and called her a “Rushdie bitch”. She suffered a mild concussion, facial injuries and a hairline fracture.
After the attack, said PEN, Durban’s Muslims had “ostracised Dala, putting her under extreme pressure to renounce her statement about Rushdie's work…and to make a public vow of religious loyalty to Islam”.
It added, “When she continued to refuse to make a religious vow or other statements inconsistent with her personal beliefs she was admitted to a mental institution. A psychologist by profession, Dala is the mother of a young child and ultimately consented to go to the hospital to avoid intense and intrusive harassment at her home. She also reports continued questioning about her beliefs by hospital staff.”
Dala's tweets cast her confinement in a slightly different light. (Tweet number four is not visible on her timeline. It is unclear whether she deleted it or whether her state of confusion led her to give the posts wrong numbers.)
T5: Due to very strong meds and the people pointing and whispering I told the nurses to call my doctor and discharge me
— ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T6: I felt that I would be safer at home, especially with the journo's etc calling non-stop. But my doctor was gone on leave and
— ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T7: it was understood that his locum ( a qulaified psychiatrist) herself could not authorise a discharge. She placed me on further meds — ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T8 Hence I am here at St. Josephs and cannot be sent home until the doctor comes back. The wait, the reporters as well as the other patients — ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T9:adds to my anxiety& paranoia. I know this: I need to get home.My husband is not FOR me being here, he just wants all this to just go away
— ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
T10 After being harrassed by a journo about "The Satanic Verses" I admitted it befuddled me.He reported that I expressed admiration for it!
— ZP Dala (@zpdala) April 12, 2015
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!