Police Clash With Pro-Palestinian Activists at Bilbao Airport

Police in Spain’s Bilbao intervened at Lloyo Airport on activists who had gathered to welcome members of the 'Global Steadfastness Flotilla' returning from a Gaza voyage, leading to scuffles and the detention of four people. The incident has triggered criticism from flotilla members and pro-Palestinian activists, who accused police of using excessive force during what had been intended as a reception. The detained individuals were charged with 'serious disobedience, resistance to authorities and assault on security forces.' Flotilla participant Luka Remiro said the atmosphere of celebration turned into a scene of violence. Remiro said some participants had already suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs, during detention procedures in Israel, and added that they were then subjected to violence again in their own country. Organizers condemned what they described as a renewed assault at the airport on people who had been unlawfully detained and mistreated in international waters. The Basque regional security administration announced an internal investigation to determine whether the police intervention complied with existing instructions. Protests that began at the airport later moved to the police station in Bilbao’s Deusto district, where pro-Palestinian groups and activists continued to voice their opposition to the intervention.