“I have information that all those, not exclusively Portuguese, intercepted [by Israeli soldiers] are in good condition […], we are still confirming if all Portuguese citizens are part of this first group”, said Luís Montenegro at a press conference following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a European Political Community gathering in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The prime minister avoided stating that the national coordinator of BE and sole party deputy, Mariana Mortágua, actress Sofia Aparício, and two other Portuguese activists are detained, choosing instead to say they are “under the responsibility of Israeli authorities.”
Luís Montenegro mentioned that the government knows “exactly the location” of the Portuguese.
“I can’t say the specific location, I know they are at a port”, he noted, adding that Portuguese authorities are in constant contact with Tel Aviv, to ascertain if “all or just part of the delegation” are present.
Bloquista Fabian Figueiredo made statements this Thursday after the meeting with the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The Bloquista also said the request for a meeting was sent “twice.”
Ana Teresa Banha | 14:54 – 02/10/2025
Israeli authorities indicated moments ago, that activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted are about to disembark at Ashdod port, where they will be handed over to the police before heading to Ketziot prison in the Negev desert. It is unclear if the Portuguese are among this group.
They can be expelled, leave voluntarily, or go to court
The plan is for the detainees to be received by prison officials and, if they refuse deportation, face trial for illegal entry before a special court comprised of Ministry of Interior elements, rather than a common court.
The prime minister also expressed hopes that “the [Portuguese] diplomatic network can contact the Portuguese” while awaiting a potential judicial decision regarding the expulsion of the humanitarian flotilla members or a possible decision to voluntarily leave Israel.
The members of the flotilla aiming to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population were en route to the Gaza Strip, an enclave surrounded and blocked, which is a Palestinian territory under occupation, not part of Israel.
Leia Também: Montenegro announces more support in a “productive meeting” with Zelensky
