Former US presidential candidate, Cynthia McKinney kidnapped by Israel on ‘Spirit of Humanity’ relief boat

Cynthia Mckinney {Greenferret.com}
Cynthia Mckinney {Greenferret.com}

Updated July 6th 2009

Reportedly released

Monday July 6th- Reports just in, that former US lawmaker, Cynthia McKinney was released from Israeli custody and taken to Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday.

June 30th 2009- The Green party presidential candidate in the last United States election, Mrs Cynthia McKinney has been kidnapped by Israeli defense forces along with other crew members of the ‘Spirit of Humanity’, Aid relief boat that was on course Gaza. Israel had recently threatened to fire at the boat if it did not turn back from its humanitarian mission.

Obama Silence

The boat occupants have remained imprisoned in Israel for three days so far, after their failed attempt to break Israel’s Gaza blockade. Meanwhile the western Media and the Obama administration has been rather noticeably, very silent on this issue of great concern.

Tel Aviv has kept most of the peace activists, seized at sea by the Israeli navy, in custody without providing information on their release.

We do recall that during the recent Israeli war on Gaza, this same boat was fired upon by Israels defense and the mission was terminated, as all occupants including Mrs Cynthia McKinney had to be rescued off the boat.

The “Spirit of Humanity” was carrying 21 human rights workers from 11 countries, including the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Maguire in addition to the former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.

Press release:

COUNCIL MEMBER, 42nd DISTRICT

718 PENNSYLVANIA AVE *     BROOKLYN NY 11207    *    718-649-9495

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Council Member Charles Barron And The Free Gaza Movement Hold Demonstration to Demand Israel Release Cynitha McKinney And All Those Aboard The Spirit Of Humanity

DATE & TIME

Wednesday July 1, 2009 4-6PM

PLACE:

PERMANENT MISSION OF ISRAEL TO THE UNITED NATIONS

800 Second Avenue
(Between 42nd and 43rd Streets)

New York, NY-Councilmember Charles Barron along with local and international aid groups, including the Free Gaza Movement, will hold a demonstration at the Israeli Mission to demand the safe release of Cynitha McKinney and all the humanitarians aboard the Spirit of Humanity. Councilmember Barron has reached out to the White House and the State department regarding this matter.

“I am asking President Obama to back up his speech in Egypt with some action!  Tell Prime Minister Netanyahu to allow the ship to pass, it is in international waters and is on a mission of peace.”                  Charles Barron

Last night, Israeli Occupation Forces attacked and boarded the Free Gaza Movement boat, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, abducting 21 human rights workers from 11 countries, including Noble laureate Mairead Maguire and former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. The passengers and crew are being forcibly dragged toward Israel .

The seizure of humanitarian supplies and abduction of human rights workers is an act of piracy, a crime under international law.  When the boat was attacked, it was not in Israeli waters and was on a human rights mission to Gaza .  Israel ‘s deliberate and premeditated attack on an unarmed boat in international waters is a clear violation of international law.

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If you’d like more information about this event please call Lamont Carolina at (201) 835-3095 or e-mail Lamont Carolina at [email protected] or [email protected]

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Spirit of Humanity vessel {PressTv}
"Spirit of Humanity" vessel {PressTv}