Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Juraj Blanár sharply on Wednesday condemned the treatment of passengers of ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, including a citizen of the Slovak Republic who was supposed to be on this fleet. TASR was informed about this by the communications department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
According to his words, the head of Slovak diplomacy is watching with concern the actions of the Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir towards the passengers of the mentioned fleet. Ben Gvir released a video on Wednesday showing activists on the ground with their hands cuffed and blindfolded. “I consider such an action unacceptable and contrary to the basic principles of human dignity,” said Blanár.
According to him, the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Israel is actively monitoring the situation and taking the necessary steps in order to ensure the immediate release of the Slovak citizen concerned. “We are in communication with her family, as well as with the Israeli side, who we have requested an immediate consular visit. The protection and safety of citizens remains our priority.” he claims.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this case points to the necessity of observing international law, including international law of the sea and international humanitarian law. “The principles of freedom of navigation must be fully respected and humanitarian aid to the civilian population must not be restricted,” concluded.
The Global Sumud Flotilla initiative said on its website on Monday that the Israeli navy had intercepted 16 of its ships bound for the Gaza Strip. According to the information available on this page, Slovak citizen Dáša Raimanová is also among the captured activists.
Several countries, including Canada, Italy and France, criticized the above-mentioned footage with activists on Wednesday. The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbibová also condemned the treatment of activists.
