Activists from the Global Sumud Convoy, whose goal is to reach Gaza by transferring humanitarian aid through Egypt, were "violently attacked," beaten and forcibly dragged onto buses by forces loyal to Gen. Khalifa Haftar, who controls western Libya.
According to reports in the Italian media, which have been closely following the fate of the convoy's 200 activists, "unidentified vehicles" crashed into tents set up by the activists after the authorities refused to allow them to continue on their way.
The Italian report said the activists' camp, located at a checkpoint near the city of Sirte, was "under attack," and that the activists had contacted media outlets in an effort to obtain help. "Although it is not clear who is behind the attacks, we are receiving reports that they are being carried out by security forces linked to the authorities in western Libya," the Italian branch of the convoy said.
Maria Elena Delia, the Italian spokeswoman for the Sumud organization, said: "Despite communications difficulties, we have learned that there were injuries in the violent attack on the land convoy in Libya. Some of the foreign activists were badly beaten, to the point that they lost consciousness. It appears they are being transported by bus westward, possibly to Misrata."
It was reported yesterday that the convoy, which included some 200 activists from around the world, had been stopped by Haftar's forces near Sirte. It was also reported that the fate of 10 activists was unknown, but they have since been located, and it emerged that they had been arrested by local police after insisting on continuing their journey. Authorities in western Libya said the 10 face deportation from the country.
