The group had attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza before being intercepted and detained by Israeli forces. Crowds greeted Thunberg at Athens International Airport with chants of “Freedom for Palestine,” as activists and supporters gathered to welcome her return.
Israeli authorities have rejected allegations of mistreatment made by deported activists, who were sent back to countries including Turkey, Spain and Italy over the weekend. Human rights lawyers representing flotilla participants say around 150 people remain in detention in Israel, among them Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela.
