Hundreds of protesters gathered in Waverley station on the evening of 2 October to decry the recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israeli Navy, which carried several Scots and one University of Edinburgh student.
Environment, Culture, and Society MSc student Miriam “Mina” Moreno (35) set sail from Spain aboard the Shireen, bound for Gaza, on 1 September.
The demonstration follows the circulation on campus of an open letter demanding the University issue a public statement requesting her protection — although it collected over 600 signatures, the University did not acknowledge it publicly.
Students gathered inside Waverley Station to protest her assumed capture late 2 October, alongside the capture of four other Scottish activists onboard the flotilla; similar protests took place in stations elsewhere in Scotland, the UK, and Europe.
Another group of protesters comprising both students and Edinburgh residents entered from Waverley Bridge to join the original student group at 6.30pm, filling the station’s central hall following brief tensions with British Transport Police at barricades.
Protesters carried placards depicting Mina aboard the Shireen along Palestinian flags and slogans such as “From the river to the ICC”, referencing the International Criminal Court.
While largely peaceful, some protesters attempted to prevent commuters reaching the platforms, and passengers were redirected to either side of the demonstration to avoid unrest.
By 7.30pm, protesters returned peacefully to Waverley Bridge, where they remained until dispersing.
Alongside over 500 other activists, Mina and the four Scots aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla sailed towards Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and raise awareness of Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade, declared illegal by the UN Human Rights Council in 2010.
Prior to the interceptions in international waters beginning last night, the flotilla had been attacked by drones on three separate occasions, prompting several countries to dispatch support until the flotilla reached the blockade zone.
The open letter’s author, who was present at the demonstration, expressed admiration for her friend and classmate, describing her as “fierce, deeply involved in environmental issues, and always standing up for social and environmental justice.”
She also criticised the University for not publicly addressing the letter’s demands in their response:
“What we asked for is urgent, costless, and entirely aligned with their values: to say publicly that she is their student, that she is not a terrorist, and that they reject attempts to criminalise humanitarian aid.”
While the four Scots were onboard boats which have since been denoted as captured, Mina’s capture was not confirmed; she was last contacted this morning.
The university has been approached for comment.
Images provided by Duncan Hafner-Schnee