Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 07-10-2016
The Department of International Relations has confirmed that a South African woman who was part of a group of pro-Palestinian activists detained by Israeli navy has been released.
Olympian and human rights activist Leigh-Ann Naidoo was travelling aboard the Zaytouna-Oliva with several other women from across the world including 1976 Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire to break a decade-long blockade of the Gaza Strip when they were intercepted by the Israeli navy this week.
Dubbed “Women’s Boat to Gaza”, the Zaytouna-Oliva set sail from Barcelona in September.
International relations spokesperson Nelson Kgwete says Naidoo is expected to arrive back in South Africa today.
“Ms. Naidoo is returning to South Africa this afternoon. She will land at OR Tambo. She was released following the intervention of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv.
Kgwete says more information on Naidoo’s detention and the conditions of her release will be divulged when she arrives back today.
“We will be arranging an opportunity for her to speak to the media regarding the circumstances under which she was arrested and the conditions that she was put under and she will explain more as to what exactly transpired, how they were treated and what nature of charges they were facing.”
Kgwete says DIRCO will seek an explanation from the Israeli government as to the reason for Naidoo’s arrest and what exactly she was charged with.
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