
Spanish GSF activist returns home after allegedly biting Israeli official, hits out at 'kidnapping', detention in 'prison for terrorists'
"Spanish Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activist Reyes Rigo arrived at Madrid airport on Monday to an emotional welcome from family and friends following her release from Israeli detention. Footage showed Rigo embracing relatives and supporters upon her return, after she was accused by Israeli authorities of assaulting a prison officer while in custody. “I am well. What my colleagues and I have experienced is nothing compared to what thousands of Palestinians have suffered,” Rigo said. “They have been suffering for many years and are rotting in prisons.” Rigo urged that more attention remain on the situation in Gaza. “What we really need to focus on is Palestine, denouncing the genocidal state of Israel, and demanding that the Spanish government file a complaint with the International Court of Justice for kidnapping 49 Spanish citizens in international waters,” she said. Rigo was among dozens of activists held in Israeli custody after naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier this month. While in custody, Israeli authorities accused her of biting a prison official, an allegation she denied. On Friday, Rigo reached an agreement with Israeli prosecutors to be deported after pleading guilty to two counts of assault and paying a fine of around €2,500 ($2,893). The final charge filed against her related only to a minor scratch. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which is known as the largest maritime mission attempting to break the marine blockage and reach Gaza, included more than 50 ships and delegations from 44 countries. Israeli forces seized the vessels and detained over 500 activists, all of whom have since been released."