“This detention is illegal. At this moment, my main concern is with these people [crew members] and knowing the conditions in which they are [detained]. It is important that the Portuguese government, if it has that information, can share it. In any case, we are also contacting national institutions to expedite the process and know as quickly as possible where they are,” stated the BE leader to journalists.
Marisa Matias, who is substituting for the national coordinator and sole party deputy in the municipal campaign until Mariana Mortágua returns from the international flotilla trip heading to Gaza with humanitarian aid, traveled to Castelo Branco to participate in a campaign event of the Esquerda Livre coalition, which includes BE, Livre, and a group of independent citizens.
“It is a humanitarian action, a peace effort. There was no reason for this detention, other than an illegal act by the Israeli authorities. Therefore, what is happening in the country is very important. People want to know what is happening. There will be gatherings during the afternoon. People are concerned in our country,” she emphasized.
The BE leader hopes that the authorities and the Portuguese government can provide information and ensure the safety of the detained crew members.
“The genocide continues to happen. During the night, 17 people were killed in Gaza. What we expect from the Portuguese government, in addition to all the information and contacts to find out the circumstances of the crew members, is also that the government applies sanctions on Israel and ensures the arrival of humanitarian aid.”
Marisa Matias believes that there will be no victory until the occupation and genocide end.
“Having said this, there are steps being taken that I believe are important gains in terms of the collective awareness of what is happening in Gaza. This flotilla taking it upon itself to deliver humanitarian aid and medicines to Gaza, instead of the governments who should be doing it, replacing the governments, is a powerful image,” she stressed.
According to the BE leader, “people from many countries and many parts of the world are showing where our dignity, our humanity, and our feelings should be.”
“There is also growing international pressure from the super-power that we all are, saying that we no longer accept to see children dying of hunger and without medication and that we no longer accept people dying in the food line. I believe this is a message that is growing stronger,” she maintained.
Marisa Matias also highlights the demonstrations happening worldwide following the detention of activists aboard the flotilla to Gaza.
At least 13 ships in the humanitarian flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli Navy, with one being rammed in international waters, according to the Sumud Global flotilla organization.
Among the detained are the Bloco de Esquerda coordinator, Mariana Mortágua, Portuguese actress Sofia Aparício, and activist Miguel Duarte.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed today his hope that the three Portuguese citizens detained by Israel can return to the country “without any incident,” considering that the humanitarian flotilla’s message was conveyed.
