Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and ERC councillor Jordi Coronas landed at El Prat Airport last night after four days detained in Israel. The group arrived at 10:50pm via Madrid, following their arrest by Israeli forces last Wednesday whilst part of the Gaza flotilla humanitarian mission.
Colau told waiting supporters the detention was illegal and degrading. “We experienced something very difficult, with an illegal arrest,” she said. “We were locked in a prison where there was no rule of law. There was mistreatment and degrading treatment, although it’s nothing compared to what the Palestinian people face.”
The group, which also included Guillem Esteban, Sofía Peris, Laia Rosell and Cèlia Vélez, were imprisoned in Israel before being deported. However, two CUP members – deputy Pilar Castillejo and Adrià Plazas – remain detained after refusing to sign deportation documents.
Colau called for continued mobilisation for the Palestinian cause, stating that “Israel’s criminal state is increasingly isolated.” She criticised Israel for not respecting international law and revealed that prisoners couldn’t contact lawyers. Meanwhile, the prison courtyard displayed a photograph of devastated Gaza.
Coronas emphasised the priority must be ending the genocide and ensuring all mission members return home safely. He praised the courage of those who embarked on the flotilla.
The flotilla left Barcelona Port on 1st September and spent a month crossing the Mediterranean. Initial bad weather forced several port stops before the journey could properly begin. Israeli forces intercepted the boats as they approached Gaza waters.
Parliament president Josep Rull has demanded Castillejo’s return, given her status as a Catalan deputy. ERC and Comuns leaders, including Oriol Junqueras and Janet Sanz, were among those welcoming the group back at El Prat.
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