Greta Thunberg: We Were Kidnapped In International Waters And Taken To Israel

JAKARTA - Greta Thunberg on Tuesday accused Israel of kidnapping her and fellow pro-Palestinian activists in international waters, saying she refused to sign documents stating she entered the country illegally before being deported.

Speaking at the arrival of Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris after being deported from Israel, the Swedish activist said he and his team had not violated any laws, calling for the immediate release of activists still in Israel.

"I am very clear in my testimony that we were kidnapped in international waters and brought to Israel without our own wishes," he said, quoted by Reuters on June 10.

Thunberg, 22, arrived in Paris the day after the Israeli navy prevented him and a group of pro-Palestinian activists from sailing to Gaza using the Madleen ship sailing from Sicily, Italy on June 6.

Israeli forces boarded the charity ship as it approached Gaza on Monday morning, trying to break through the years-long sea blockade in the coastal enclave, and arrested 12 crew members, including Thunberg.

Thunberg denied his mission to deliver aid to Gaza by breaking through the years-long sea blockade in the coastal enclave was a public relations action, saying previous attempts with larger ships had ended after the ship was bombed.

Furthermore, Thunberg laughed at criticism from United States President Donald Trump, who described him as an angry person.

"To be honest, I think the world needs more angry young women, especially with everything that's happening right now," he replied in response to President Trump's criticism.

Thunberg admits it's unclear where he's going next, and told reporters his next destination might be Sweden, as well as needing a shower and rest.

As previously reported, Thunberg was among the four people who were deported. Meanwhile, eight other people are still in Israel, including Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament from France.