Madam, – I would like to draw readers’ attention to some inaccuracies in the reporting of the attack on the flotilla and the UN Human Rights Council findings (World News, September 23rd).
Eight of those murdered were Turkish citizens, the ninth was 19-year-old US student, Furkan Dogan who did not have Turkish citizenship. It should also be noted that one of those executed was a journalist and not an “activist”. Cevdet Kiliçlar was filming the snipers on the helicopter when he was shot between the eyes.
Mark Weiss also reports that Irish passport-holders were “deported after questioning by Israeli authorities”. Irish passport-holders, including myself, resisted interrogation at all stages. We never failed to remind IDF members that they had no authority to question us as they were our kidnappers and captors.
Moreover, I was not deported; I was put out of Israel, illegally and against my will, just as I had been brought there. Please note that point 206 on page 45 of the report refers to the beating I received for refusing to sign the papers and demanding my right to contest the deportation. For this I was beaten by up to 17 guards and had my passport stolen, therefore forced to enter Turkey illegally to boot.
Last June Brian Cowen promised to meet to discuss the serious consequences which Israel would face following its treatment of Irish citizens. Despite the fact that I have been in Clara every week all summer, I have yet to hear back from Mr Cowen. Is the Taoiseach now ready to act? – Yours etc,