MEPs rally in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla: “Europe’s silence is striking”

Brussels – “We are aware of the situation in Israeli prisons, and we know how international activists are treated: that is why we know that speaking out from the European Parliament is not enough, and that is why we have decided to come here and deliver this message directly through our own actions.” A delegation of MEPs gathered for a protest today (5 May) outside the Israeli Embassy in Belgium. In a message addressed to Avi Nir-Feldklein (Israel’s Ambassador to the European Union) and Idit Rosenzweig-Abu (Israel’s Ambassador to Belgium), the group called for the immediate release of Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, the two activists from Global Sumud Flotilla who are currently being held in Israeli prisons “in violation of the fundamental principles of the rule of law and human dignity.” 

Last week, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila were sailing in Greek waters with other activists. On Wednesday night, they were intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters off the coast of Crete. “Once again, Europe’s silence is striking,” comments Sandro Ruotolo (PD).

“This attack—the MEPs stress—constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of freedom of navigation and must be regarded as an act of piracy.” What happened to the flotilla and its activists “is not an isolated incident, but part of a wider pattern of repression against peaceful civil action,” they added. The activists were forcibly detained, transferred without legal justification, and, according to reports, subjected to degrading and violent treatment. “We want Israel to start complying with international law and for our governments to start taking action to ensure respect for international law itself,” said Benedetta Scuderi (AVS).

Last Sunday, the two detained activists appeared before an Israeli court, which extended their detention. They appeared covered in bruises. They appeared in court again today and, according to the MEPs present, their detention has been extended until next Sunday. 

The 22 MEPs who took part in the protest are members of the progressive group: S&D, including Cecilia Strada, Sandro Ruotolo, Brando Benifei, Annalisa Corrado, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and Matjaž Nemec; Greens/EFA with Benedetta Scuderi, Cristina Guarda, Leoluca Orlando, Ana Miranda, Mélissa Camara, Saskia Bricmont, Maria Ohisalo, and Catarina Vieira; The Left with Mimmo Lucano, Carolina Morace, Lynn Boylan, Hanna Gedin, João Oliveira, Catarina Martins, and Rima Hassan; Renew with Irena Joveva.