Italian activist Lorenzo d’Agostino, who participated in the Humanitarian Floti for Gaza, claims that during his stay in Israeli custody was exposed to humiliation, poor conditions and denial of legal aid.
D’Agostino is among more than 450 activists, including the famous climatic activist Gretu Thunberg, who were arrested last week “Global Sumud Flotilla”. This international flotilla, composed of over 40 vessels with humanitarian aid, tried to deliver food, water and drugs in Gaza, bypassing a multi-year Israeli naval blockade.
In conversation for CNN, D’Agostino stated that he was forced to sit or kneel on the concrete in front of the Israeli flag, without adequate clothes at low temperatures. He adds that his personal belongings were confiscated, ridiculed and destroyed, as his hands were tightly tied.
– We shocked the level of humiliation and unnecessary cruelty we were exposed, “he said.
D’Agostino believes that it is that it comes from Italy – a country considering an Israeli alliance – influenced not being physically abused, unlike other prisoners from countries that do not have close relations with Israel.
– I shared a cell with a Turkish activist who was a broken arm and who did not give any painkillers for two days – he said.
He also stated that Greta Thunberg was separated from the rest of the group and forced to kneel in front of the Israeli flag, while the soldiers and police officers were constantly photographed.
These claims were confirmed by the Law Advisor from the Adalah Center, which said that Thunberg and another detainee were “separated from the others and forced to photograph with the Israeli flag as an act of humiliation.”
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the charges on Sunday, calling them “cheeky lies” and emphasizing that “all the legal rights of the detainees were respected.”
On Monday, the afternoon, the Israeli authorities confirmed that Greta Thunberg, together with 170 Fleotilla participants, were deported from the country.
(Vijesti.ba)
