Czech Republic advocates for Puerto Rican woman who participated in humanitarian mission to Gaza
- The San Juan Daily Star
- Oct 8
- 1 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Mothers Against War spokesperson Sonia Santiago said earlier this week that the Czech Republic requested the return of Puerto Rican citizen Zuleyka Morales Rivera, who was detained by the Israeli government on the Sumud Global Flotilla, which sought to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Every nation has demanded the return of its kidnapped citizens, except the United States,” Santiago said in a written statement issued on Monday night. “Puerto Rico owes the Czech Republic for this great humanitarian act that saved the life of a Puerto Rican solidarity mission.”
“Zuleyka was handed over by Israel in prison clothes, barefoot, and with only her passport. In prison, she witnessed the torture of a Palestinian child,” Santiago said. “She was also subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment: she was kept naked outdoors for 23 hours, kneeling on stones, and denied food, water, and sleep.”
Santiago announced that Mothers Against War would hold a protest today.
“This Wednesday, October 8th, at 10 a.m., we will personally demand that Puerto Rico’s Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana and Governor Jenniffer González publicly denounce the human rights violations committed by Israel and ensure the safety and security of Zuleyka Morales Rivera until she reaches Puerto Rican soil,” she stated.
Santiago added that federal officials have warned that they could strip the U.S. citizenship of those who participated in the humanitarian mission for alleged terrorism.
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