PGPF Condemns Israeli Violations On Flotilla Activists

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The Perdana Global Peace Foundation (PGPF) Wednesday condemned Israeli violations on activists aboard the Al Awda humanitarian flotilla which was seized Sunday while en route to Gaza. In a five point demand, the PGPF, founded by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad among others, called upon the Israeli regime to immediately halt all intimidation, assault and detention of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) volunteers and to release them without charge. “Their release should be expedited as the world watches on. All possessions including passports of the volunteers should be returned without delay, and safe repatriation of the volunteers should be expedited.” The PGPF also wants the group who were detained at Israel’s Givon Prison to be given prompt and proper legal counsel by their lawyers and respective consuls in Israel, and have unobstructed access to their lawyers at all times. PGPF chairman Norian Mai said while FFC lawyers had met with the volunteers, it remained unclear when the group would be released and be able to return to their countries of origin. Sole Malaysian activist Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh has been released and arrived safely in Malaysia last night. The activist from MyCare said contrary to Israel's statement, the volunteers were brutally assaulted by the soldiers armed with tasers and batons. “London-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ang Swee Chai, who has dedicated over 30 years of her life in support of the Palestinian struggle suffered head injuries as a result.” Dr Mohd Afandi said the Israeli army also seized the belongings and passports of all on board. According to reports, the Al Awda vessel, with 22 activists from around the globe was carrying medical supplies worth RM61,000. The FFC initiatives which began 18 years ago is a humanitarian, non-violent, people-to-people actions of solidarity with the Palestinians. In 2010, PGPF president Dr Mahathir, mooted the idea of breaking the siege on Gaza through a flotilla initiative. Malaysian civil society through Perdana Global Peace Organisation – PGPO (now PGPF) sponsored three vessels namely, MV Rachel Corrie, Challenger 1 and Challenger 2. The 2010 mission resulted in the death of 10 Turkish volunteers on board MV Mavi Marmara as the Israeli armed forces raided the vessel and brutally assaulted all on board. The PGPF sent another solo vessel in 2011 named MV Spirit of Rachel Corrie which was also stopped by Israel’s navy and redirected to the port of Al Arish in Egypt. -- BERNAMA