Iranian Canadian Congress expresses its deep concern over the detention of peace and human rights activists aboard the “The Conscience” ship by the Israeli Forces. The seizure blatantly violates international law and defies the ICJ’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.

“The Conscience” ship carried activists from various countries whose goal was to draw the world’s attention to the ongoing and unlawful blockade of Gaza Strip and to call for an end to the transfer of weapons and military support to the State of Israel. Their detention is both legally indefensible and politically alarming. It represents an attempt to silence the global voices of conscience calling for peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.

Iranian Canadian Congress calls for:
1.The immediate and unconditional release of all detainees aboard “The Conscience” ship including 6 Canadian passport holders: Mskwaasin Agnew (ON), Sadie Mees (NL), Nikita Stapleton (NL), Nima Machouf (QC), Devoney Ellis (NL) & Khurram Musti Khan (ON)
2.Full respect for international law and the right to peaceful activism;
3.An immediate halt to the transfer and sale of weapons to Israel, which fuels ongoing occupation and violence;
4.Strong international pressure to end the blockade of the Gaza Strip and guarantee civilians’ access to humanitarian aid.

We urge governments, international bodies, human rights organizations, and global civil society to fulfill their moral and political responsibilities by defending the fundamental rights of the detainees and the Palestinian people.

The voice of justice and freedom cannot be silenced.