Israeli naval forces detained over 40 vessels, part of the new global flotilla "Sumud", trying to reach the Gaza Strip by sea to deliver humanitarian aid. Among those detained is Bulgarian citizen Vasil Dimitrov. The case is causing a sharp international reaction and diplomatic tension.
On the air of "Zdravej, Bulgaria" on "Nova TV" Arabist Professor Vladimir Chukov recalled the similar situation from 2010 with the “Freedom Flotilla“, which set off from Athens.
“We have exactly the same case, the same slogans, the same legal disputes. The difference is in the scale – now we have many more boats and a wider international response“, he explained.
According to him, both then and now, the main debate is whether Israel's intervention against the flotilla took place in international or Israeli territorial waters – a question that remains legally unclear.
According to the professor, Israel usually classifies detainees into two categories – “illegal migrants“ and “those linked to terrorist activity“. According to him, the Bulgarian participant will most likely fall into the first category.
“As a Bulgarian citizen, from a country with normal relations with Israel, he will be classified as an illegal migrant and will be deported. However, there will be a black stamp in his passport – a ban on entering Israel for the next 100 years“, said the Arabist.
He added that the remaining detainees, especially those who do not voluntarily sign extradition documents, may be subjected to longer procedures and even charges. The fate of political figures on board, including the former mayor of Barcelona and MEPs, will be monitored particularly closely.
Professor Chukov expects the case to be concluded within a few days – at least as far as the Bulgarian citizen is concerned. “Bulgaria has no interest in confrontation, and our position is balanced. I expect a quick resolution of the case with Mr. Dimitrov. Spanish citizens may find themselves in a more complicated situation“, Chukov also commented.
Source: nova.bg