For Greta Thunberg’s Rights: Asia Forum Protest

The Asia Progress Forum strongly condemns the unlawful interception and detention of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, and ten other humanitarian volunteers aboard the Madleen, a vessel carrying aid to the besieged people of Gaza. This blatant act of aggression by Israeli forces, carried out in international waters, represents a grave violation of international law and fundamental human rights.

The Madleen was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission to deliver essential supplies—including baby formula, food, and medical aid—to Palestinians suffering under Israel’s relentless blockade. Instead of allowing this humanitarian effort to proceed, Israeli forces forcibly boarded the vessel, detained its passengers, and diverted it to Israeli territory. Reports indicate that the detainees were subjected to degrading treatment, including being forced to watch footage of the October 7 attacks in an apparent attempt at coercion.

The Asia Progress Forum calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to take decisive action in response to this egregious violation of human rights. We urge Sri Lanka to:

Break off diplomatic relations with Israel until it ceases its illegal blockade and genocide against Gaza.

Deport all members of the Israel Defence Force currently present in Sri Lanka to signal unequivocal opposition to Israel’s ongoing war crimes.

Join international efforts to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international humanitarian law..

The international community must not remain silent in the face of Israel’s continued impunity. The Asia Progress Forum stands in solidarity with the detained activists and demands their immediate and unconditional release.

Asia Progress Forum

9 June 2025