Press Statement: Paul Murphy MEP (Socialist Party) 4 November2011
Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy detained by Israeli Army
· Flotillas blocked and activists detained
Socialist Party and United Left Alliance MEP, Paul Murphy, has been detained by the Israeli military, along with other activists from the MV Saoirse and the Canadian boat the Tahrir.
The boat had been part of the Freedom Waves flotilla that attempted to travel to Gaza in solidarity with the suffering Palestinian people and to deliver humanitarian aid. The blockade is in its fifth year and is illegal. This collective punishment has led to untold hardship for the Palestinian people as vital medical supplies and building material is not allowed through.
A protest has been called for this evening in solidarity with the detained activists at the Spire on O’Connell Street at 6PM.