Pleas for action from families of Sumud Flotilla humanitarians abducted by Israel
Greens MP and Lismore local Sue Higginson joined with the families of Northern Rivers residents and Australian Citizens who have been illegally abducted by Israel on international waters after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla - Surya McEwan, Juliet Lamont and Hamish Paterson.
A letter signed by Greens NSW MPs has been sent to Northern Rivers Federal Labor MP, Justine Elliot, demanding that she advocate for a full investigation into allegations that Australians have been tortured and injured by the Israeli military. This echoes demands made by the families of the Australians abducted by Israel.
Greens justice spokesperson and solicitor Sue Higginson MLC said:
“Today I joined the families of locals Surya McEwan and Hamish Paterson to express our anguish at Israel’s brutal torture of Surya, Hamish and my friend Juliet Lamont, Australian Citizens who peacefully and legally tried to get baby formula, food and medical supplies to starving Palestinians in Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla,”
“The families called for their local Federal Member Justine Elliot to end her silence on the abduction and torture of her constituents, and for Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to facilitate their immediate release and to investigate the dreadful allegations of mistreatment by Israel,”
“These Australians have been locked in the same cells that Israel has been using to detain and to torture thousands of Palestinian hostages for years. We are hearing that the cell walls are full with etchings of children's names from Palestinian parents who know they will never see their children again,”
“The genocidal state of Israel has openly admitted to torturing these Australian citizens.
Surya has been beaten against the concrete by IDF soldiers, he has had his passport ripped up, and he has had his shoulder dislocated. Juliet has an underlying blood pressure condition and has been denied essential medication for her wellbeing,”
“Far-right Israeli Ministers have tormented these Australians by gloating about the genocide they are perpetuating against the Palestinian people in Gaza,”
“The NSW Greens Party Room has written to the Federal Member representing these constituents, Justine Elliot, calling for her to condemn Israel for breaching international law by abducting her constituents. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Foreign Minister Penny Wong must act to ensure all allegations of mistreatment are fully investigated and that all Australians detained by Israel be immediately released,”
“Surya, Juliet and Hamish all knew the possible risks of their humanitarian mission, they were aware of the atrocities Israel is capable of, but I do not believe that any of them contemplated their own Government representative and leaders to be so silent on their unlawful interception and detention. The silence has to stop, they must stand and speak up for our friends and family,” Ms Higginson said.