Turkey’s high court in Istanbul held a hearing, regarding Israel’s flotilla raid in 2010, which killed 10 Turkish activists. The Turkish flotilla, which was organized by the Islamist Relief Foundation IHH, aimed at breaking an Israeli imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the internationally recognized terror organization Hamas. The Israeli raid, which was intended to thwart the flotilla’s bid to break the blockade, caused relations between Ankara and Jerusalem to sour.
Both countries, however, were able to mend the wounds… reaching an agreement in June aimed at normalizing relations. Israel agreed to three conditions posed by Ankara, including a formal apology for the raid, and to provide financial compensation to the families of those killed; while Israel demanded that Turkey pass legislation that would protect Israeli soldiers and officials against lawsuits, pertaining to the flotilla raid.
Nevertheless, a lawyer representing the activists who claim to be victims of the raid, yet were not part of the compensation package, that they vehemently oppose an end to the lawsuits against Israeli soldiers and officials. During the rally in front of the Turkish High Court, a human rights lawyer alleged that the treaty between Israel and Turkey does not align with international law, demanding a continuation of the lawsuits against the Israelis involved in the raid.
“We are strongly supporting the case here in Turkey and our very firm plea to the court has been that they must continue with the case, that the so-called agreement between Israel and Turkey is not a treaty that is enforceable. It is unlawful under international law, under the European Convention of Human Rights and under the Turkish law and that the criminal case against those who are accused must continue at all costs,” said Rodney Dixon, Human Rights Lawyer.
Bulent Yildirim, chairman of the Islamic Relief Foundation IHH that organized the flotilla, accused Israel of paying an amount of money that was more of a bribe aimed at thwarting the legal proceedings.
“We are well aware that Israel was expecting Turkish court to halt the case. Twenty million dollars is not admission of liability, it is a donation. At the time, they (Israel) said: “I killed you, I spilt your blood and in return I donated this much money so shut up and halt the case,” thanks God you stood by this case and you proved this trial would keep going. Thank you,” said Yildirim.
In is important to note that the so-called Relief Foundation IHH, is an Islamic Charity which is considered by the Israeli government as a terrorist entity with direct links to Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood and its Palestinian offshoot Hamas.