2 July 2009
For Immediate Release
London, 2 July, (ECESG) – The European campaign to end the siege on Gaza (ECESG) called today for international human rights organizations and lobbying groups to organize large protests in front of Israeli embassies across Europe in solidarity with activists of Free Gaza Movement. Activists onboard of the humanitarian boat were kidnapped by Israeli naval forces while they were sailing in a peaceful mission to end the siege.
The call aims at creating factual movements on the ground to release “the spirit of humanity” activists. Additionally, head of ECESG, Dr. Arafat Madi contacted EU officials and MPs to urge on moving to release the activists immediately.
British Baroness, Jenny Tonge, expressed her deep anger and concerns towards the Israeli doing. She said that, “I shall take up the matter with the Foreign office.”
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described the Israeli government’s decision to board and hijack a peace boat on route to Gaza carrying medical aid as contemptible, adding; “The piracy of the Israeli Navy in boarding the boat in international waters and towing it towards Israel this is yet another astounding example of just how beyond reproach this administration believes it is.”
The boat was boarded by highly-profiled people like Mairead Maguire, winner of a Noble Peace Prize and a former U.S. congressperson, Cynthia McKinney. The vessel was forcibly taken to one of the Israeli seaports under direct threats from naval boats.
Maguire, winner of a Noble Peace Prize was taken against her will and isolated from the rest of the team. The Israeli army cared about neither her old age nor her position. Two activists were released only while the rest are in Israeli detention of Ramallah. The exemplary punishment against the activists is a small glimpse of what’s happening to 12 thousand Palestinians in Israeli jails.
ECESG is organizing a number of protests in various European countries to call on releasing the kidnapped peace activists.
Actions’ Timetable
Israeli Embassy in Roma, Italy
Location: Via Michele Mercati, 14
In front of the Israeli embassy
3rd of July 2009
12:30 pm
Embassy of Israel in Copenhagen, Denmark
Lundevangsvej 4
2900 Hellerup
12:30 pm
Israel Embassy, Sweden
Torstenssonsgatan 4
Stockholm
Sweden
12:30 pm
Embassy of Israel
Chancellery
Alpenstrasse 32
P.O.Box
3006 Bern
12:30 pm
Israeli Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands
Embassy of Israel in The Hague, Netherlands
Ambassade van Israel
Buitenhof 47
2513 AH Den Haag
12:30 pm