German activist hailed at Berlin airport after Israeli deportation
Yasemin Acar was on board the Madleen alongside other prominent figures such as Greta Thunberg when it was diverted to Israel on Monday by military forces.
She was deported back to Germany, where she was met by a dense crowd of people carrying Palestinian flags and scarves amid chants of "Freedom for Palestine" and "Freedom for Yasemin."
In a press conference at the airport, Acar accused Israel of kidnapping the crew members of the Madleen in international waters.
"We will not stop," Acar said. "We will come back until we stop the siege."
Acar is known to the police for her public appearances and anti-Israel slogans.
The reception at the airport was chaotic as people crowded around the activist, with one man lifting her onto his shoulder. Police estimated that at least 100 people were there.
The activist group had set sail from Sicily in early June, seeking to bring humanitarian aid such as baby food and medical supplies to civilians in the Gaza Strip, while drawing international attention to the critical humanitarian situation.
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