Protests Erupt in Bilbao Over Police Treatment of Returning Gaza Flotilla Activists
Overview of the Bilbao Protest and Police Response
Background of the Incident
MADRID, May 24 (Reuters) - Around two thousand protesters took to the streets of the Spanish city of Bilbao on Sunday to condemn the Basque police's treatment of activists from a Gaza aid flotilla on their return from detention in Israel.
Events at Bilbao Airport
Confrontation Between Police and Activists’ Relatives
When a relative of one of the six returning activists tried to approach them at Bilbao airport on Saturday, a police officer forcefully prevented him from doing so, leading to scuffles between both sides, images from state broadcaster TVE showed.
Police Actions and Crowd Response
Images showed police striking people with batons and pinning others to the ground while being jeered by onlookers. Before this, activists appeared to have blocked the exit for other passengers and police tried to move them.
Official Reactions and Investigations
Basque Police Investigation
The Basque regional police force said in a statement on Sunday it had launched an investigation to determine if officers complied with procedures. Reuters has reached out to the Spanish government for comment.
Public Demonstrations and Accusations
On Sunday's march, pro-Palestinian demonstrators carried banners criticising the Basque police force and accusing the local government of being complicit with Zionism.
Details of Activists’ Detention in Israel
Allegations of Abuse
The activists were released from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla trying to bring aid to Gaza. Organisers alleged on Friday that the activists were subjected to abuse while in Israeli detention, with several hospitalised with injuries and at least 15 reporting sexual assaults, including rape.
Israeli Response to Allegations
Israel's prison service denied the allegations, and Reuters was not able to verify the activists' claims independently.
International and Political Reactions
Spanish and International Government Responses
Spain was among a series of Western governments on Thursday which expressed their anger after Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video of himself mocking the activists as they were pinned to the ground in a prison.
Calls for Accountability
UN and Amnesty International Statements
Francesca Albanese, a UN expert on the Palestinian territories, has called for those responsible for events at Bilbao airport to be held responsible, while Amnesty International has demanded a thorough investigation.
Israeli Embassy Demands
The Israeli Embassy in Spain has demanded an "explanation" from the Spanish government over the events at Bilbao airport.
(Reporting by Graham Keeley, Victoria Waldersee, Nina Lopez; Editing by Christina Fincher)
