Indian writer and activist Arundhati Roy has announced that she will not attend the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2026, in protest over comments attributed to members of the jury about the situation in Gaza. The author said she felt “shocked and disgusted” by the remarks, which — according to reports — suggested that art should not be political.

In a statement dated February 13, 2026, Roy explained that her decision responds to what she sees as an attempt to deflect attention from the violence in the Gaza Strip. She described the situation as a genocide and criticized the complicity of Germany and the United States, accusing them of supporting Israel.

The controversy comes ahead of Berlinale 2026, where In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, a film written by Roy 38 years ago and selected for the Classics section, was scheduled to be screened. The writer described the invitation as “something sweet and wonderful,” but said recent developments changed her stance.

Roy noted that while she has been deeply disturbed by the positions of the German government and cultural institutions regarding Palestine, she has also received political solidarity from German audiences when speaking about Gaza. This, she explained, had made it possible for her to consider attending the screening.

However, the author said she learned that same morning of what she called “unconscionable” remarks by members of the festival jury when asked about Gaza. According to Roy, hearing that art should not be political is “jaw-dropping” and, in her view, amounts to silencing debate about a crime against humanity.

“What has happened in Gaza, what continues to happen, is a genocide of the Palestinian people by the State of Israel,” she said in her statement. She also argued that the political and financial support of the United States and Germany, along with other European countries, makes them complicit.

Roy warned that history will judge artists who fail to speak out. “If the greatest filmmakers and artists of our time cannot say so, they should know that history will judge them. I am shocked and disgusted,” she wrote.

She concluded her statement by announcing, with “deep regret,” that she will not attend the Berlinale. The controversy unfolds amid growing debate within the European cultural sphere over the role of art in the face of political and humanitarian conflicts, adding pressure on the Berlin festival ahead of its 2026 edition.