Deputy Speaker of the MPR Urges Indonesian Nationals to Consider Risks Before Heading to Gaza
Deputy Speaker of the MPR Eddy Soeparno has urged Indonesian nationals to carefully weigh the risks before taking part in humanitarian missions to Gaza, Palestine. He made the remark in light of the incident in which nine Indonesian nationals were detained by Israeli soldiers in international waters while on board the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) bound for the Gaza Strip, Palestine. He warned that the risks could be greater and potentially fatal.
“I need to convey to our brothers and sisters who wish to undertake similar humanitarian actions to carefully consider the risks involved, because we have seen such experiences, and we should not face risks that are even greater and possibly fatal,” Eddy said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Friday (22/5).
Eddy welcomed the release of the nine Indonesians who were detained by Israel and praised the steps taken by the Indonesian government in its effort to secure their release.
“We condemn the action by the Government of Israel in detaining those who are moving for humanitarian missions in Gaza,” he said.
“So in my view, that violates international law and, of course, violates human rights, and such actions deserve condemnation,” the PAN politician added.
Earlier, after detaining the nine Indonesians, Israel took them to Ashdod Port where they were processed in Israeli immigration detention.
The Indonesians included Republika journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho, Rahendro Herubowo from the GPCI media team, Andi Angga Prasadewa from Rumah Zakat, Herman Budianto Sudarno and Ronggo Wirosanu from Dompet Dhuafa, and Hendro Prasetyo and Asad Aras Muhammad from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI).
During detention, several Indonesians were subjected to abuse, including beatings and electroshocks by Israeli forces.
The nine Indonesians are now freed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they would arrive in Indonesia on Sunday afternoon (24/5).