Arrested Blackburn Viva Palestina drivers to rejoin convoy in Tunisia

[15:40 GMT 18 Feb - Just driven @ 40mph through the streets of Tangier. Crowds of people lined the route cheering, giving victory signs, waving. Amazing! - twitter.com/georgegalloway see twitter feed below]

The police have agreed to meet the cost of getting the delayed vehicles and drivers to Tunis - it's the least they could do. Still nothing on the three men in custody. Due to be released tomorrow. The report below says seven men who were arrested and released when all other reports spoke of nine arrested altogether and three still being held which makes six free so not sure where the Asian Times acquired the other released person from - unless the initial reports were wrong.

From Asian News

SEVEN men who were arrested after they set off with a convoy from Blackburn to deliver aid to Gaza are back on their way to join the rest of the group.

The Viva Palestina Aid convoy to Gaza had originally set off on Friday but they were arrested along with three other men from Greater Manchester on the M65 motorway as they drove to join a national convoy in London.

But the men who have been released without charge have carried on to join the rest of their team.

The Viva Palestina Aid convoy from Blackburn are taking three vans full of donations of clothing, medical equipment, nappies and children’s toys. The men have fundraised to pay for their vans, travelling costs and all donations and intend to leave the vans in Gaza as further donations.

Hailed as heroes for the efforts to join the convoy, the men met with Chris Chilvers, the north west organiser of the Viva Palestina aid convoy, before setting off for Dover at noon today.

Dr Chilvers said: "They are very angry about their treatment at the hands of the police and concerned that, despite being released without charge, the police are still refusing to return donations from the vans, personal belongings and mobile phones. The police have offered no satisfactory reason for these violations.

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