May 31, 2010 - The Center for Constitutional Rights strongly condemns the killings of human rights activists aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. The six ships that comprised the Flotilla were violently attacked early this morning by Israeli Naval Forces. The flotilla was carrying over 700 international activists from over 50 countries, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire and former US Army Colonel Ann Wright, as well as urgently needed medical and rebuilding supplies.
This was a much anticipated and well-publicized attempt to use non-violent means to protest Israel’s illegal, nearly three-year blockade of Gaza that has resulted in denial of basic necessities like food and medicine to Palestinians living in Gaza.
Since its inception nearly three years ago, CCR has condemned the blockade as a form of collective punishment.
We urge those able to attend the emergency protests scheduled for today, May 31, 2010 (all times noted reflect local time zones):
- NEW YORK: 3 pm Monday, Times Square (Assemble at 47th St. and 7tE Ave.) SAN FRANCISCO: 1 pm Monday, Rally (Powell and Market)
- CHICAGO: 4.30 pm Tuesday, Israeli Consulate (111 E. Wacker Drive)
The Center for Constitutional Rights works with communities under threat to fight for justice and liberation through litigation, advocacy, and strategic communications. Since 1966, the Center for Constitutional Rights has taken on oppressive systems of power, including structural racism, gender oppression, economic inequity, and governmental overreach. Learn more at ccrjustice.org.