PNN - Palestine News Network

Israel Threatens Campaign Groups Involved in the "Flytilla"

PNN

In the lead up to human rights activists preparing for a mass fly in to Bethlehem as part of the Welcome to Palestine 2012 campaign, Israel have been stepping up security and convincing airports around the world to turn people away at the border if they are suspected as being party to the campaign. 

Israel have furthermore interrogated groups in Israel that they suspect are involved in the preparations. 

Security forces in Israel interrogated 4 left wing Israeli Activists who are involved in Anarchists Against the Wall group, and have furthermore invited 3 in for questioning. They stated that this was not an interrogation, however when the activists asked if they could leave they were denied. 

 According to Haaretz The four activists, who were questioned by a man called "Shavit" and said he was chief of the Shin Bet's department, refused to answer his questions and were told they would be under close surveillance, additionally stating that Shin Bet were not only aware of their activities but also details of their private lives. 

French human rights activists stated that they are still planning to travel although French security have threatened turning them away at the border. 

Human rights campaigners have been invited to join the campaign from countries around the globe including New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the US, and 1,200 tickets have been purchased from Europe alone. 

Last year thousands were turned away at the borders and hundreds were blacklisted by the Israeli Occupying Forces