“Very likely, if you are watching this video, it is because I was taken against my will into detention by Israeli forces, acting against international law. If that is the case, I ask you to contact the Portuguese government to make every effort to ensure the release not only of myself, Sofia Aparício, and Miguel Duarte, the Portuguese delegation, but all participants of this mission,” appealed Mariana Mortágua.
This video was posted on the official Instagram account of the member of the Left Bloc and, according to the party, was recorded before the vessel Adara, part of the international flotilla and carrying Mariana Mortágua, was intercepted by Israeli authorities tonight.
“We ask for mobilization, to follow the mobilizations around the world to end the genocide and impunity of Israel,” she continues in the post.
Meanwhile, in a statement published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced today that he has confirmed with the Government that the detained Portuguese nationals will receive consular support from the Portuguese embassy in Israel.
“The President of the Republic confirmed with the Government that, through our Embassy in Tel Aviv, all consular support will be provided to the detained compatriots, as is customary, particularly when it involves holders of sovereign bodies, as well as all support for their return to Portugal,” reads a note from the Presidency.
Earlier, in an Instagram live broadcast, Mariana Mortágua mentioned, at 19:45 (Portuguese time), that the vessel she was on was being intercepted by Israeli ships.
The deputy then stated that the Israelis requested to speak with the ship’s captain, with the live broadcast ending shortly afterward.
The Global Sumud Flotilla also reported on Instagram, at 19:43, that several vessels in the flotilla were being “illegally intercepted.”
“The boats’ cameras are offline and Israeli soldiers are boarding the vessels. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all activists on board,” reported the same source.
The flotilla, composed of about 50 vessels (including one flying the Portuguese flag), departed from Spain intending to break the Israeli blockade and deliver supplies to the Gaza Strip, an initiative rejected by Tel Aviv, which argues that the action is supported by the Palestinian extremist group Hamas.
Three Portuguese citizens — the Left Bloc leader, Mariana Mortágua, activist Miguel Duarte, and actress Sofia Aparício — are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli ships when it was about 80 nautical miles from Gaza.
[Updated at 21:26]
