Background and Relevance of the Individuals Involved
The Portuguese government has demanded that four of its citizens who participated in the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla to the Gaza Strip cover their repatriation costs from Israel. The individuals in question are Mariana Mortágua, Sofia Aparício, Miguel Duarte, and Diogo Chaves.
- Mariana Mortágua: She is the only representative of the Left Bloc in the Portuguese National Assembly, advocating for social justice and human rights.
- Sofia Aparício: An actress known for her activism and support of various social causes.
- Miguel Duarte and Diogo Chaves: Both are activists involved in promoting peace and humanitarian aid.
Government’s Stance and Actions
The Portuguese government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has sent a letter to the four citizens outlining the cost of their return flight from Israel to Lisbon. The government’s position is that since the mission was funded by civil society and not in representation of the state, the participants should cover their repatriation expenses.
The letter was accompanied by a reimbursement request form, according to Portuguese media reports. The government explained that the cost of travel was advanced “for logistical reasons and practical considerations.”
Reactions from the Citizens Involved
Mariana Mortágua, one of the four citizens, has stated that she will pay for her flight ticket. However, she criticized the government’s decision, asserting that a “decent” government would send the bill to those responsible for the violence in Gaza. She emphasized that their intended destination was Gaza, not Israel.
The government decided to charge those who carried humanitarian aid against genocide… I will pay the ticket, buying proof that there are ministers without character. https://twitter.com/paulo_rangel?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Elisted-account%7Ctwgr%5Ehome
— Mariana Mortágua (@MarianaMortaga) June 8, 2020
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Global Sumud Flotilla? The Global Sumud Flotilla was a humanitarian mission aiming to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip.
- Who are the four Portuguese citizens involved? The four individuals are Mariana Mortágua, Sofia Aparício, Miguel Duarte, and Diogo Chaves.
- Why is the Portuguese government demanding repatriation costs? The government argues that since the mission was funded by civil society and not in representation of the state, participants should cover their repatriation expenses.
- How have the citizens involved responded? Mariana Mortágua has stated that she will pay for her flight ticket but criticized the government’s decision, calling it a lack of character.
