Spanish police on Saturday detained four people at Bilbao airport following clashes that broke out after activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla returned home, according to officials in Spain.

Video of the incident showed supporters gathered in the arrivals hall to welcome six campaigners as they arrived on a flight from Turkey after having been detained and deported by Israeli forces.

When a relative of one of the activists tried to approach them, a police officer forcefully prevented him from doing so, leading to scuffles between both sides, public broadcaster TVE reported.

Images broadcast by the station show police striking people with batons at the airport and pinning others to the ground while being jeered by onlookers.

Four people were arrested for serious disobedience, resisting arrest and assaulting law enforcement officers, the Basque regional police force, the Ertzaintza, says in a statement.

“Following what happened at the airport, the Ertzaintza internal affairs division has launched an investigation to determine whether the officers’ conduct complied with procedures,” it adds.

We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists.........

© The Times of Israel