Australian humanitarian workers – Surya McEwen, Abubakir Rafiq, Hamish Paterson, Juliet Lamont, Bianca Webb-Pullman, and Cameron Tribe – remain in Israeli detention following their illegal abduction in international waters, where they have been subjected to systematic abuse and denied fundamental human rights.
Global Movement to Gaza says the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is refusing to speak with next of kin, leaving families in the dark about their loved ones’ wellbeing.
DFAT has informed families that they will only contact them if the detained person signs a letter approving information sharing with next of kin. The only other situation in which DFAT will provide information is if someone dies.
Flotilla organisers say this abandonment of Australian citizens in crisis is unacceptable and places lives at risk. Three of the detained citizens are from the Northern Rivers.
Critical concerns
Reports indicate detainees are being denied access to their medications. Two Australians have serious medication needs, including Juliet Lamont and one other participant.
The denial of essential medical care constitutes a serious violation of their human rights and puts their health in danger.
Upon their abduction from international waters, the 331 flotilla participants, including six Australians, were reportedly:
- Forced to kneel for over five hours with hands zip-tied behind their backs (after some participants chanted ‘Free Palestine’).
- Denied food and water.
- Denied sleep – violently woken whenever they tried to rest.
- Denied access to bathroom facilities.
- Subjected to aggression, threats, and ongoing harassment.
Violation of legal rights
Organisers say the participants’ legal rights have been systematically violated throughout this process, having been initially denied access to their lawyers, who waited nine hours outside Ashdod Port.
Several participants were processed without legal consultation, and hearings began without notifying the legal team. Participants were transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison in the Naqab (Negev) without legal representation.
It is also alleged that tribunal hearings have been initiated and conducted entirely without lawyers present, and that the flotilla’s legal team only learned of these proceedings after detainees called them directly.
In addition, flotilla organisers say Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the detention facility in what was clearly an act of humiliation and intimidation, with participants being filmed and exploited in a degrading display of control.
They suggest that Israeli officials have conducted a smear campaign, falsely branding flotilla members as ‘terrorists’ to discredit their peaceful humanitarian mission and legitimise the repressive tactics used against them.
Organisers say that their interception by naval commandos violated international law, amounting to abduction in international waters.
‘Israel cannot justify these actions through enforcement of its blockade – the Gaza blockade itself is illegal, constitutes collective punishment, and serves as a central tool of ongoing genocide, including the deliberate use of starvation as a method of warfare.’
Latest
Lawyers have now gained access to the detention facilities and are present in tribunal hearings.
They continue to monitor the situation, pursue legal measures to guarantee every participant is accounted for, conduct prison visits, and call for the immediate release of all detainees from unlawful detention and the retrieval of their personal belongings and humanitarian aid supplies.
Global Movement to Gaza’s demands include that:
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong immediately intervene to secure the release of all six Australian citizens.
- DFAT immediately establish direct communication with families and provide regular updates on their loved ones’ condition.
- Israeli authorities immediately provide all detainees with access to essential medications, food, water, and medical care.
- Australia impose sanctions on Israel for these violations of international law.
- All 331 flotilla participants be released immediately and unconditionally.
- Israel be held accountable for torture, abuse, and systematic violation of human rights.
Unconscionable
Surya McEwen’s mother Jacinta McEwen said, ‘DFAT’s refusal to communicate with families is unconscionable. My son could be dying and they won’t even tell me if he’s okay.
‘The Australian Government has a duty to protect its citizens – they are failing us.’
Mr McEwen’s friend Steph Vajda said, ‘Denying people their essential medications while they’re being held in unlawful detention is torture. The Australian Government must act now before someone dies.’
Another friend, Jessica Mamone, said, ‘These are humanitarian workers who were abducted while trying to feed starving people. They’re being treated like criminals for answering the call to prevent genocide that our own government refuses to answer.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
