Israel is deporting Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg for the second time after she was detained along with dozens of foreign activists during an attempt to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, reports the Times of Israel.
Source: Pryamyi
Along with Thunberg, 79 other activists from various countries will also be deported: 28 French citizens, 27 Greeks, 15 Italians, and 9 Swedes. They will all be sent to Greece, from where they can return to their home countries. At the same time, 28 Spanish citizens remain in custody in Israel. In total, Israel has deported 170 people detained during the “Global Sumud” flotilla operation.
Earlier, Thunberg informed Swedish officials about mistreatment while in detention, including lack of water and food, dehydration, rashes caused by bedbugs, and being forced to sit for long periods on hard surfaces. Other flotilla members confirmed that she was made to hold flags during staged photos.
The flotilla consisted of 437 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers and was intercepted by Israel on October 2–3. Most detainees were held in Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert. The flotilla’s lawyers and the Adalah organization reported restrictions on water, food, medicines, access to legal aid, as well as cases of verbal and physical abuse. One Turkish activist claimed that Thunberg was beaten, dragged by the hair, and forced to kiss the Israeli flag.
Israeli authorities deny the allegations, stating that all detainees were provided with food, water, and access to medical and legal assistance. The Swedish embassy remains in contact with the authorities to ensure medical needs of Thunberg and other activists, as well as their safe return home.
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