Henning Mankell in n Israeli prison.

[I. J. Parker]

Among the smaller facts of the attack on the international relief boats headed for Gaza is the news that Henning Mankell was on board of one of the boats in a symbolic gesture of support for Gaza. Early news implied that he might be among the dead or wounded, but it appears he was captured and jailed.  He has been given the options of deportation or trial by an Israeli court.

 

Frankly, the mind boggles. 

[Jon Loomis]

Trial for what? Weren't they attacked in international waters?

[I. J. Parker]

God only knows. The logic of the whole thing escapes me. Apparently Israel claims the relief boats attacked the Israeli navy. I understand that one of the relief boats had a camera on board. And of course there are witnesses, some apparently like Henning Mankell from neutral or Israel-friendly countries.
It strikes me that this comes at a bad time when our interest is on the gulf and in Afghanistan.

[Sandra Ruttan]

Have we got a news source confirming this, IJ? Not that I'm doubting you. :) Is anyone doing anything to set up a petition for his immediate release?

[I. J. Parker]

Ah, I should have said that I got it from PW. I had already seen it earlier (some blog on Crimespot) but was waiting to see if it was true.

[minervaK]

He's apparently been released now:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hXHfjjSZAUYC5CPb...