Ottawa – Zaytoun News
A statement from the Canadian campaign participating in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla reported that the humanitarian vessel Conscience, carrying Canadian volunteers, was seized by Israeli forces and is now at the port of Ashdod. The statement expressed serious concern that Canadian participants could face harsh or inhumane treatment, based on previous incidents involving humanitarian flotillas.
“Given what happened to the Global Sumud Flotilla in recent days, we are very worried,” said Amir Khadir, spouse of Canadian participant Nimâ Machouf and former Member of the National Assembly for Québec Solidaire.
According to the statement, the legal team representing the participants, Palestinian-Israeli lawyers from Adalah, the Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, spoke with some of the Canadians before they were transferred to Ketziot Prison. Some reported being subjected to violence during the interception, and lawyers have requested meetings with all participants.
It is expected that the Canadian delegates will either be deported tonight or tomorrow morning, while hearings for other detainees will take place over the next two days. The legal team has demanded to be present at all hearings and will provide updates.
The statement urged the Canadian government to act immediately, calling for the release of all detained Canadians and for Canada to consider sanctions, including reducing or severing diplomatic ties with Israel, due to violations of international law.
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