Gaza Herald – The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor condemned the attack and repression by the Basque regional police against activists from the “Sumud Flotilla” and their supporters at Bilbao Airport in northern Spain, following their return from a solidarity mission aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
Videos circulated online showed Basque police officers violently assaulting several activists at the airport amid scenes of chaos and tension that reportedly erupted after an argument between police and people welcoming the returning activists. Footage appeared to show officers using batons and force against civilians gathered at the scene.
In a statement, the rights group called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the police intervention, questioning both its legality and proportionality. The organization also demanded the immediate release of the four detained activists and the dismissal of any charges lacking a sufficient legal basis.
Euro-Med further urged Spanish authorities to ensure the protection of solidarity activists and to launch effective investigations into the abuses they reportedly suffered at the hands of Israeli occupation forces during the interception of the “Sumud Flotilla” in international waters.
The incident came only days after several European activists returned from detention by Israeli occupation, where they said they endured physical and psychological abuse following the seizure of vessels attempting to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid and challenge the ongoing blockade imposed on the besieged territory.
According to activists and human rights organizations, some participants were still wearing prison clothing when the police intervention occurred at Bilbao Airport, before they had even been fully reunited with their families and supporters.
