Israel 'began deportation proceedings of flotilla activists before they had legal counsel'

Israeli authorities have begun deportation proceedings for activists on board the seized Global Sumud Flotilla without allowing them to receive legal advice, according to the legal and human rights organisation Adalah. 

"Adalah has received phone calls from participants reporting that immigration authorities have already begun conducting hearings on their deportation and detention orders, in the Ashdod port," it said. 

"These proceedings were initiated without prior notice to their lawyers and while denying participants access to legal counsel.

"This constitutes a grave violation of due process and a denial of the participants’ fundamental rights. Adalah will continue to seek access and will take legal action as necessary."