😮 Activists from Switzerland and Spain who joined the Gaza flotilla last week are speaking out about their detention in Israel, calling the conditions "inhumane" in a statement after arriving home.
Among the nine Swiss members, some described harsh treatment: extreme sleep deprivation, no access to water or food, beatings, kickings, and being locked in cages 🔒, according to their representatives.
Spanish activists shared similar claims upon reaching Spain. "They beat us, dragged us on the ground, blindfolded us, tied our hands and feet, put us in cages, and insulted us," lawyer Rafael Borrego told reporters in Madrid.
Israel's Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin, says 170 activists have already been deported. Of the 309 still detained, about 200 are expected to leave within the next 24 hours.
Some Swedish activists also reported mistreatment, including being shoved and forced to wear the Israeli flag 🇮🇱, and having their food, water, medication, and personal items taken away.
But Israel's foreign ministry dismissed these allegations as "complete lies," saying all detainees had food, water, access to restrooms, and the right to legal counsel.
In another twist, a Spanish detainee allegedly bit a female medical worker at Ketziot Prison during a check-up before deportation. The worker was treated on site for minor injuries, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv has visited the 10 Swiss nationals still in custody, reporting they are "in relatively good health, given the circumstances" and working for their swift return.
Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, also on the flotilla, commented: "The mistreatment we faced is nothing compared to what Palestinian people suffer every day."
As consular teams from several countries continue to support detainees, more activists are expected to be released soon and sent to Athens for onward travel.
Reference(s):
Gaza flotilla activists allege inhumane detention conditions in Israel
cgtn.com
