Hundreds of people gathered in Barcelona on Saturday to demand the release of two Global Sumud Flotilla activists arrested by Israel. The protest took place outside the European Commission's headquarters in the city.
The detained activists are Saif Abukeshek, a Palestinian-Spanish national, and Thiago Ávila from Brazil. Many demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading "Stop Israel. Stop terrorism," "EU: enough complicity with Israel," and "Free the hostages."
Abukeshek and Ávila are currently on hunger strike. They are scheduled to appear before the Ashkelon Magistrates' Court on Sunday for a criminal hearing to decide on the extension of their detention by Israeli authorities.
Family calls for Spanish government action
Saif Abukeshek was born in the Askar refugee camp in Nablus and has lived in Barcelona for years with his wife and three children. His wife, Sally, told EFE on Saturday that Abukeshek's health is "correct," despite some "small injuries." She added that he is "in a state of shock" and was upset that he could not call one of his daughters on her birthday.
Sally stated that her husband had no intention of reaching Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla to avoid danger. She explained that he was on a vessel performing observation duties, aiming to provide logistical support. He had done this previously during the first flotilla that sailed from Barcelona months ago, only travelling to an Italian port before returning.
She called on the Spanish government to "do everything possible" to secure his release. Sally also urged civil society to pressure Israeli embassies and consulates with protests to end "the violence Israel exerts on Palestinian citizens."
Israel's accusations and activist's defence
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Abukeshek and Ávila of having ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which it claims is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States. Sally said she did not know why her husband was being linked to this organisation. She described his role as supporting the Global Sumud Flotilla, which she called "a civil society movement whose actions and movements are legal."
"They are not violating any law; what they want to do is bring humanitarian aid to Gaza," she said. Sally also claimed Abukeshek was "mistreated" when his ship was boarded. She said he was left "alone," with his hands tied behind his back and his eyes blindfolded.
Sally stressed that her husband's situation should not overshadow the suffering in Palestine and Gaza. "We have to talk about it and continue working for the struggle of the Palestinian people," she added.
Catalan activists return
Some Catalan activists involved in the flotilla have started returning to Catalonia. Mariona Tasquer, a UB student and crew member, arrived on Saturday afternoon and joined the Barcelona demonstration. She addressed protesters outside the Spanish government's delegation in Catalonia.
According to ACN, two other activists, one from Terrassa, are expected to arrive at Barcelona-El Prat Airport this weekend.
