Deep Concerns About Detained Australians
"I am deeply concerned by reports that Australian citizens - Surya McEwen, Abubakir Rafiq, Hamish Paterson, Juliet Lamont, Bianca Webb-Pullman and Dan Coward - have been arrested by Israeli authorities after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of the Sumud Flotilla."
"The blockade of Gaza has caused immense human suffering for years, and efforts such as the flotilla represent the determination of people around the world to stand in solidarity with Palestinians and to deliver desperately needed assistance.
"The flotilla's aims are humanitarian and peaceful and they must be respected, not met with arrests.
"I call on the Israeli Government to ensure that all detainees, including the Australians, are treated fairly and humanely, and that their rights are upheld.
"Australia must not remain silent when its citizens are detained for acting on conscience and compassion.
"We have a responsibility to defend their rights and to advocate for an end to the blockade which is perpetuating the genocide in the recognised nation of Palestine."
Senator Payman is
