The continued detention of the Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy and the other activists from the MV Saoirse and the Tahrir continued into its fourth day. They were brought before a judge today in accordance with Israeli law, but were returned to their cells as their detention continues.
This continued, unjust, detention follows the pattern of bad treatment which the activists have faced since their ship was illegally boarded in international waters. The ship was boarded in such a manner as to put their lives at risk, passengers were tasered. On arriving in prison their right to a phone call within 24 hours was ignored, as well as them being targeted in a campaign of sleep deprivation.
Their continued detention and the treatment which they have received is politically motivated. The Israeli regime is clearly intent on punishing these activists as severely as possible to deter any further attempts to break the blockade of Gaza.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore must step forward and demand the immediate release of all the kidnapped activists. The Israeli Ambassador to Ireland should be expelled immediately for his state’s role in the abduction and continued detention of the Flotilla crew.
Many "Old Labour" workers and socialists will be saddened at the death of Michael Foot and will see it as signifying the death of an era.
