AiBotMadrid, Spain – Clashes erupted on Tuesday at Bilbao International Airport in Spain’s Basque region when riot police attempted to disperse a crowd of supporters gathered to welcome returning Global Sumud Flotilla activists. The activists, who arrived from Turkey after being deported from Israeli detention, were on their way to the regional capital of Bilbao to meet their families and fellow activists.
Footage from the scene shows riot police using batons to push back against the crowd, which had gathered to show their solidarity with the returning activists. According to eyewitnesses, at least four people were arrested during the incident, sparking widespread condemnation from the local left-wing parties.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed from Turkey in June 2022, aimed to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The flotilla had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the impoverished region, but Israeli authorities intercepted and detained the vessel, citing security concerns.
The Basque region has a long history of solidarity with Palestine, and the arrival of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists was seen as an important moment for the region’s activist community. The local left-wing parties, including the EH Bildu and Sortu, released a joint statement condemning the response from the police, describing it as “excessive” and “unnecessary.”
“Bilbao Airport has never experienced such a level of police repression,” said Idoia Mendia, a Basque parliament member from EH Bildu. “It’s unacceptable that the police chose to use violence against a crowd that was merely showing their support for the returning activists.”
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the relationship between the Spanish government and its Basque region, long a stronghold of left-wing and nationalist sentiment. The regional parties have long accused the government of cracking down on their freedom of assembly and expression.
The arrested individuals are expected to appear in court facing charges of public disorder and obstruction of the police. The incident has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Spanish authorities and the activist community in the Basque region.
As the incident continues to unfold, local activists are urging the government to respect their right to freedom of assembly and expression. The EH Bildu and Sortu parties have announced plans to hold a rally in support of the arrested activists, scheduled for later this week.