Israel releases detained flotilla activists after widespread condemnation

ISRAEL HAS RELEASED illegally detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla after widespread condemnation of a video showing the activists with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh, lawyer for detainees Suhad Bishara said the activists are currently making their way to Turkey, and from there to their home countries.

The lawyer said the treatment of the detained activists was “the most severe” in the past ten years in terms of violence and degradation. 

Advertisement

“Many of them were in severe pain. We know of three, at least, that were hospitalised last night and released later on. One of them was kept under medical observation. Many complained of humiliation, some complained of sexual harassment.”

She said the latest developments come after a “long night” at Ashdod Port.

“They had to go through hearings before immigration officers, and from there they moved to prison in the south, in the desert.”

“We met hundreds of participants yesterday, and the picture that we have is that there was a very systematic and patterned way of violence against participants.”

The news comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin wrote to the President of the European Council calling for the suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel following its “shocking” treatment of the activists.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal