GSF Activists Trained Not To React Violently When Intercepted - SNCC D-G

SEPANG, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission activists have been trained not to react violently when they face tense situations if intercepted by Israeli forces.

Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said that when intercepted, the participants will also gather on the vessel's deck and raise their hands to signal that they are unarmed when approached by Israeli forces.

"This is the standard operating procedure instilled in them during their training when they were on land in Italy, Barcelona, Tunisia and Greece to undergo training and workshops on non-violence,” he told a media conference here today.

He also confirmed that the activists had been trained to throw their mobile phones into the sea to avoid exposing their personal information.

"The skippers on board the vessels will determine when it's time for them to ditch their mobile phones (into the sea).

"This is also so that the Zionist regime will not confiscate their mobile phones. There is nothing confidential (about the GSF), but we don't want those I mentioned to intercept and see all the personal details. So, we decided for them to chuck their mobile phones (into the sea),” he said.

Sani Araby added that the participants, including Malaysians, were also told to record SOS video clips stating that they do not allow themselves to be detained and kidnapped if intercepted by Israeli soldiers.

"These video clips will be the final evidence for us to file for any form of legal action if deemed necessary by the legal authorities,” he said.

As of 10.44 am (Malaysian time), 14 of the 44 flotillas had been intercepted, and 201 of the 497 participants, including 12 Malaysians, were confirmed to have been detained.

-- BERNAMA