The Portuguese Socialist Party (PS) is closely monitoring recent developments, expressing concerns over the matter. “It is essential for the State to fulfill its duties towards Portuguese citizens, focusing on consular support and state responsibilities to ensure their complete safety,” stated PS leader and MP João Torres in a statement.
The socialist emphasized that this is “an obligation of the Portuguese state” and that the issue does not involve any political assessment regarding the flotilla initiative itself by the Government or any citizen.
“The state has a duty to protect its nationals, and it is vital to activate this obligation, ensuring it is a neutral guarantee for all Portuguese citizens,” he urged.
Bloco de Esquerda coordinator, Mariana Mortágua, and actress Sofia Aparício were detained by Israel today after their vessel, part of a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, was intercepted. This was confirmed by Joana Mortágua, a Bloco de Esquerda leader.
Expressing strong opposition to the detention, Joana Mortágua highlighted its illegality, adding that there was no information yet on another Portuguese activist, Miguel Duarte, also on the flotilla, or the vessel he was on.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced today that he validated with the Government that the detained Portuguese citizens would receive consular support from Portugal’s embassy in Israel following the flotilla’s interception en route to Gaza.
The international flotilla headed to Gaza carrying humanitarian aid, which included three Portuguese nationals, among them BE coordinator Mariana Mortágua, was intercepted today by the Israeli Navy.
