Popular movements and human right organizations will be gathered this Monday (9), starting at 5 p.m., in front of the Planalto Palace, at the Three Powers Square, in Brasília, to demand the immediate liberty of the 12 international activists from ‘Freedom Flotilla Coalition’ (FFC), that were kidnapped by Israel in international waters. The environmentalist, internationalist and historical activist of the Federal District Thiago Ávila, from Brasília, is amongst the detained.
Besides the release of the crew, the organizations require that the Brazilian State sever relations with Israel. “We are going to demand [from the Brazilian government] more severe measures with the Israeli State, that has taken radical actions of genocide and annihilation of a population”, said the coordinator of the Human Rights Comission in the Legislative Chamber of Distrito Federal (CLDF in Portuguese), Keka Bagno.
In a statement, Itamaraty (Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) declared to be following the case and required freedom for the crew. “Recalling the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters, Brazil urges the Israeli government to release the detained crew members,” said the text. Brazil also asked for an end to Israeli restrictions on the access of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, organizers of the demonstration consider the statement insufficient.
“Brazil cannot silently watch the ongoing genocide. The country must cut diplomatic ties with the State of Israel,” supported Bagno. She also expressed solidarity with the family of Thiago Ávila — his partner Lara and their daughter Teresa — and insisted on the call for stronger measures from the Brazilian government.
The organizers reported the international complicity in view of the massacre in Gaza and demand consistency between speeches condemning the genocide of Palestinians and effective diplomatic actions from Brazil. “Defending Brazilian democracy means defending the Palestinian state,” Bagno concluded.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition
The ship ‘Madleen’, from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which followed towards the Gaza Strip carrying humanitarian supplies such as medicine, water filters, and food, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in the early hours of Monday (9th). According to statements from crew members, drones equipped with automatic weapons surrounded the boat and released a white substance over it. Disturbing noises were broadcast by radio to disorientate the activists, and communication was forcibly cut off. “They’re interfering on the radio, we can’t call for help!” reported Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist who was on the mission.
The operation takes place in the context of an Israeli military offensive that has already killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the local Ministry of Health, and amidst a blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza — a restriction considered illegal under international treaties and condemned by several UN resolutions.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the detention of the boat and its crew. On social media, the ministry ironically referred to the mission as a “celebrity yacht” and stated that all “passengers must return to their countries of origin.” A video shared on the official account of the Israeli Foreign Ministry shows the Flotilla crew receiving water and food.
