The Irish Government must do all it can to get detainees from the Sumud flotilla released from prison in Israel, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne, a TD for Dublin North West said:
“One of my constituents Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais was abducted illegally by Israel when he was aboard the global Sumud Flotilla. Diarmuid, and all the Irish citizens who were effectively kidnapped, must be released immediately by Israel. We are extremely concerned for their welfare given what we have heard about how others were mistreated.”
Diarmuid’s daughter, Chloe, said:
“My Dad, Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais, known by many as Dougie, was illegally detained, along with 15 other Irish citizens, by Israel while trying to bring much needed aid to Gaza.
“They were on a peaceful humanitarian mission fuelled by love and compassion. My Dad has been gone since August 24th and every day he was at sea I had constant messages and calls from him. He was detained on Wednesday night in international waters and since then I’ve had nothing but silence, nightmares and constant fear for his safety.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs have been in contact, but they cannot give an assurance that he will be released immediately and unharmed. How many more days do I have to sit by, not knowing when my father will be released and brought home?
“I am appealing to the government to do whatever it can to get my Dad, and the other detainees, released as soon as possble.”