LAWYERS FOR A number of Irish citizens who were participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the vessels of which were intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week, have written to Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris to express concern about “credible reports of mistreatment” the detainees are facing. 

The last boat from the flotilla carrying aid to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces yesterday.

In total, more than 40 vessels in the flotilla were boarded by armed members of the IDF, according to organisers.

Some 443 flotilla participants were arrested, they said, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. They were transferred to Ashdod Port, and yesterday it was communicated that all participants have been transferred to Ketziot Prison, 30km from the Egyptian border.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry yesterday confirmed that the participants in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla are to be deported to Europe.

The letter from legal representatives for the 16 Irish citizens, which was sent to Harris yesterday, highlighted the unlawfulness of the arrests of 16 Irish citizens who were in international waters, approximately 60-80 nautical miles from Israel’s coast.

The legal representatives said that not only were those aboard vessels in the flotilla not in Israel’s jurisdiction, they were also not breaking any laws. 

The letter continued:”The conduct of IDF naval vessels constitutes unnecessary and reckless use of force against unarmed civilians. There are multiple sources of video evidence and witness statements of water cannons being deployed, in addition to reports of dangerous navigation of a large frigate moving through the waters deliberately blacked out.”

The sixteen Irish citizens have been named as: Caitriona Graham, Chris Andrews, Colm Byrne, Cormac O’Daly, Diarmuid MacDubhghlais, Donna Schwarz, Louise Heaney, Maureen Almai, Michael Fix, Paddy Kelly, Patrick O’Donovan, Sarah Clancy, Tadhg Hickey, Tara O’Grady, Tara Sheehy, Thomas McCune. 

The lawyers said that they have been made aware of several “concerning issues” regarding the wellbeing and treatment of the detained Irish citizens. 

They said that there have been credible reports of mistreatment; reports that at least one person reliant on medication has not been allowed access to it despite having it on their person; several participants were brought before the Immigration Authority in Ashdod Port without legal representation; and “heightened racialised risks to certain detainees, who may have specific identity markers”.

These concerns potentially constitute human rights abuses, the letter said. 

The lawyers are also asking the Irish government to ensure that Israel allows them contact their next of kin

In a statement about the detention of the Irish citizens, the Tánaiste said he could confirm that a team from Ireland’s Embassy to Israel, led by the Ambassador, had visited the prison yesterday and officials met with Irish citizens detained there.

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“Where there were individual requests for assistance, our Ambassador is following up with the Israeli authorities directly,” he said.

“We are also continuing to gather information on next steps in the process for the Irish citizens involved.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including through the Embassy to Israel, will continue to provide all possible and appropriate consular assistance, the Tánaiste added, and said that officials remain in contact with family members who have requested support.

“I understand that this is an exceptionally difficult time for them, and we will continue to update them as we receive more information.”

Greta Thunberg, also in detention, has reportedly been subjected to harsh treatment, with Turkish activist Ersin Çelik telling media she was beat, dragged by her hair, and forced to kiss the Israeli flag.