SEPANG: Malaysia is preparing to pursue legal action at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the alleged assault, detention and interception of Malaysian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission to Gaza by Israeli forces, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (pic).
The Selangor Mentri Besar, who is also the mission's patron minister, said there is evidence of possible violations of international law and it is currently being compiled by legal teams.
“We will also bring this to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to continue piling on the diplomatic pressure,” he said in a press conference on the return of the Malaysian activists to Malaysia at KL International Airport (KLIA) on Sunday (May 24).
He said Malaysia would not remain passive over what happened to all the 428 activists aboard GSF 2.0 which included 29 Malaysians, adding that the activists were kidnapped and tortured after they were intercepted by Israeli forces.
“Malaysia will not remain silent, Parliament will not remain silent.
“We also hope that our fellow Malaysians will also not remain silent because they (Israeli forces) encroached upon the sovereignty and right of our citizens to defend humanity,” he said.
Amirudin also said the mission would continue beyond the flotilla itself, with organisers preparing broader advocacy efforts, including conferences and a nationwide engagement programme involving returning activists.
“The Sumud 2.0 mission has been completed. But the voice to free Gaza cannot stop,” he said, adding that organisers hoped to continue future efforts through a third GSF.
Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said legal evidence relating to the flotilla interceptions would be sent to the Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (CENTHRA).
“This illegal interception clearly violates the sovereignty of the countries where the ships are registered as stipulated under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Evidence of these violations of law has already been gathered,” he said, adding that efforts to file a claim to the Prosecutor ICC were already underway.
He also confirmed that one Malaysian activist, Razman Mat Ali, suffered a serious injury during the mission and remained in Istanbul for treatment after undergoing surgery.
Sani Araby said Razman had suffered a traumatic pneumothorax, leaving his left lung punctured after being abused by Israeli forces during detainment.
He said that fortunately the Razman was now in stable condition but unable to fly due to potential medical risks.
Sani added that GSF 2.0 had succeeded in drawing international attention to Gaza and generating wider global participation.
The press conference was also accompanied by scenes of joy as the remaining 28 Malaysian activists' families were greeted with smiles of relief from their family members after arriving safely at KLIA around 10pm on Sunday.
