A SCOTTISH journalist who was detained in Israel after being seized on a protest ship travelling to Gaza returned to the UK yesterday.
Hassan Ghani, 24, of Glasgow, was on one of two vessels that were trying to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Palestinian territory when he was detained by the Israeli navy on November 3.
The boats were towed to the port of Ashdod by military personnel after they were captured in what was described as a peaceful takeover.
He spent seven days in prison before being released and deported from the country.
Mr Ghani, a journalist with Press TV, yesterday posted a note online about his relief at being released and thanked those who had sent him messages of support.
He wrote: “Finally home, reading all the moving messages of support.
“I’m deeply moved by the support people have shown, I can’t tell you how much it means to me.
“My love and thanks to everyone who wrote a message or made a prayer.
“After a week inside I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a political prisoner for years.”
Mr Ghani was also part of a Gaza aid flotilla stormed by Israeli commandos last year, leaving nine people dead. The latest incident is not thought to have resulted in casualties.
The Foreign Office yesterday confirmed that Mr Ghani, who now lives in London, had returned home safely.
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