Madrid: Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska hinted on Monday that legal action could be taken at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after Spanish citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla reported abusive treatment in Israeli custody.
According to Anadolu Agency, Marlaska expressed concern over any violation of fundamental rights and mentioned that there are legal channels such as the ICC and Spanish courts to address these issues when they concern national citizens. He affirmed that criminal liabilities will be examined and addressed through the appropriate national and international legal channels.
Marlaska explained that the boarding of ships in international waters carries an international criminal law classification under specific conventions and within the national legal system, referring to it as an "absolutely illegal deprivation of liberty" for the victims. He emphasized that the priority is for the remaining flotilla members to return to Spain safely and that the Spanish government is actively involved in defending the rights of its citizens.
He further stated that there will be a legal response, highlighting that the Spanish government has been engaged with the ICC from the beginning. Marlaska also mentioned that the attorney general's office has opened investigative proceedings to address the situation.
Separately, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced that 28 Spaniards detained in Israel would be repatriated, following the return of 21 others. The first group included notable figures such as former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau and Republican Left of Catalonia councilor Jordi Coronas, who reported abusive treatment in custody.
The activists claimed they were denied access to lawyers and communication with their families, as reported by the Spanish EFE news agency. They also reported not receiving necessary medical assistance, including insulin for diabetic detainees, until days after their arrest. They described being threatened by armed personnel with dogs, deprived of sleep, and moved between cells to prevent rest, claiming they were treated "worse than animals."
The Israeli naval forces reportedly attacked and seized vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining over 470 activists from more than 50 countries. The flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's blockade of the enclave, which has been in place for nearly 18 years. Since October 2023, Israeli bombardments have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.