The four Portuguese nationals from the Global Sumud Flotilla detained in Israel are in “good health despite difficult conditions,” although various complaints have prompted an “immediate protest” by the Portuguese ambassador to Israel, an official source stated today.
Ambassador Helena Paiva, who visited the Portuguese detainees today, “was able to confirm that everyone was in good health despite the difficult and harsh conditions upon arrival at the port of Ashdod and in the detention center,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) sent to Lusa.
“They were not subjected to physical violence, despite several complaints – complaints that led to an immediate protest by the Portuguese ambassador in Israel,” according to the Palácio das Necessidades.
Left Bloc coordinator Mariana Mortágua, actress Sofia Aparício, and activists Miguel Duarte and Diogo Chaves are among the more than 450 participants of the humanitarian mission detained by Israeli forces, which intercepted the approximately 50 vessels comprising the flotilla between Wednesday and Thursday.
The Portuguese chose voluntary deportation
The same statement added that the four Portuguese nationals accepted to be “voluntarily and immediately deported” and were informed that the Israeli authorities would place them “on the first available flights to Europe at the expense of the Israeli government,” although delays may occur due to the Israeli SUKKOT holidays.
In this process, “they will be accompanied by an MNE official,” added the ministry led by Paulo Rangel.
During the ambassador and consul’s visit, the four nationals “were informed of their rights and the embassy’s full availability to support them in whatever is necessary,” the MNE further stated.
The Portuguese government’s note does not indicate the location of the detainees, but in statements to the Portuguese CNN channel, Israeli ambassador to Lisbon, Oren Rozenblat, said that the detainees “are in a prison in the Negev desert, in southern Israel.”
“The situation is good and they are safe and healthy,” he stated.
The Israeli diplomat also revealed that the Portuguese expressed their intention to be deported, having signed a document to that effect, so “they will not be brought before a judge.”
“They will leave shortly,” he added, without specifying the date.
Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprised of approximately 50 vessels, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday. The flotilla was heading to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid.
The flotilla, which included politicians and activists from various countries, departed from Spain at the beginning of September with the goal of breaking the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, identifying itself as a “peaceful and non-violent humanitarian aid mission.”
[Updated at 16:24]
