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"My son is a hero"
01.06.10
INISHOWEN peace
activist Fiachra Ó Luain is reported to have been
slightly wounded during the Israeli attack on a
peace flotilla bound for Gaza.
It was initially believed Mr Ó Luain was on board
the MV Rachel Corrie which, because of mechanical
problems, was delayed in Malta and escaped the
attack. While figures have yet to be independently
verified at least 10 were killed and dozens were
injured in the attack. |
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The 27-year old Carn
man was travelling on Challenger 1 which had left
Cyprus in the first wave of the aid flotilla before
being boarded by Israeli commandos in the early
hours of yesterday. It is understood Mr Ó Luain, who
is understood to have suffered |
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slight injuries, was
taken into Israeli custody with other campaigners.
It is expected they will be deported once their
details are processed by the Israeli authorities.
However, Mr Ó Luain is expected to contest his
deportation.
His US-based father, Joseph Bangert,
yesterday told the website capecodonline, of his
horror at the attack. |
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Bangert said
information was "sketchy and hard to come by". "I'm
horrified. I'm scared for Fiachra, but I am also
proud of him. My son is heroic," he said.
Two other Irishmen, Dr Fintan Lane and Shane
Dillon, were on board Challenger 1 when it was
stormed. They too are expected to challenge their
deportation.
There has been international condemnation of the
attack while Taoiseach Brian Cowen called for an
international inquiry into the incident.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day
confirmed that five Irish activists, who were aboard
the 1,200-ton cargo ship Rachel Corrie, were safe. |
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