Sri Lanka expresses ‘profound distress’ over degrading treatment of detained flotilla activist
COLOMBO – The Sri Lankan government on Thursday (21) expressed “deep concern and profound distress” over footage released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appearing to show the degrading treatment of detainees from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including a Sri Lankan national.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the government said it was already engaging with Israeli authorities through diplomatic channels to secure immediate consular access to the affected Sri Lankan activist and ensure her safety, wellbeing and dignity.
“The Government of Sri Lanka remains fully committed to ensuring the protection of its citizens abroad,” the ministry said.
The statement comes amid growing international outrage following the release of videos showing activists from the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla being detained by Israeli forces after their vessels were intercepted.
The footage, posted by Ben-Gvir’s office, appears to show detainees being forced into stress positions at the port of Ashdod after Israeli authorities intercepted dozens of civilian vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In one video, a woman shouting “Free Palestine” is seen being pushed to the ground by officers while Ben-Gvir praises the arrests, declaring: “Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords here.”
Another video showed detainees kneeling with their hands restrained behind their backs as the Israeli minister referred to them as “terror supporters”.
The flotilla mission, which departed from Barcelona last month, and Turkey early last week, was organized as a civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at delivering food, medicine and other essential supplies to Gaza amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory.
Foreign media quoting flotilla spokesperson David Heap, as said that approximately 60 vessels had been intercepted and more than 400 activists detained by Israeli authorities.
Lawyers from Israeli human rights organization Adalah were reportedly granted access to some detainees before they were transferred to Ketziot prison in Israel’s Negev desert.
The incident triggered swift international condemnation from several governments.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the treatment of detainees as an “unacceptable” violation of human dignity, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Ben-Gvir of humiliating activists aboard the flotilla and said Spain would push for European Union sanctions against the Israeli minister.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled” by the footage and confirmed that the British government had demanded explanations from Israeli authorities.
Canada, Portugal and Italy announced they would summon Israeli representatives over the incident, while France, Ireland and Turkey also condemned the treatment of detainees.
The backlash also prompted rare criticism from within the Israeli government itself.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Ben-Gvir’s conduct as a “disgraceful display” that had harmed Israel’s image internationally.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while defending the detentions, stated that Ben-Gvir’s actions were “not in line with Israel’s values and norms” and said he had instructed authorities to deport the activists as quickly as possible.
Even US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized Ben-Gvir, describing his conduct as “despicable”.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said it would continue diplomatic engagement with Israeli authorities regarding the detained Sri Lankan national and efforts to secure her safe repatriation.
-ENCL
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