The arrival in Spain of a group of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla was overshadowed on Saturday by tense scenes at Bilbao airport, where clashes broke out with the Ertzaintza, the autonomous police force for the Basque Country. The disturbances ended with four people being arrested on charges of serious disobedience, resisting authority and assaulting a police officer.
According to police sources, the incidents occurred as six members of the flotilla, who had just landed, were posing for the media and blocked one of the arrivals’ exits at the airport. Officers then intervened, considering that the security cordon had been breached, which led to shoving and moments of high tension between activists, supporters and police.
Videos circulating on social media show serious clashes between police and members of the activist group. Some activists are seen pinned to the ground before being handcuffed.
The return of these activists had been delayed by a day because two of them were taken to the hospital, injured when they were intercepted by Israeli forces as they tried to reach the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid.
Those arrested were handed over to the judicial authorities following the incidents at Bilbao airport.
Spanish diplomat summoned to point out incoherence
Israel has accused the Spanish government of “hypocrisy” following the publication of videos and images allegedly showing Spanish authorities using force against flotilla activists.
In response, the Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yossi Amrani, summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Spanish Embassy in Israel, Francisca Pedrós, on Sunday, at the instruction of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, for a clarification meeting.
A statement issued afterward said the Political Director raised what he described as the inconsistency of Spain’s position, arguing that it sends activists toward Israel and then condemns Israel’s enforcement of a naval blockade, while Spanish authorities themselves reportedly used severe violence against those same flotilla participants.
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