Turkish activist planes land (in) Istanbul

[catgirl]

Source: Associated Press

ISTANBUL – Hundreds of activists deported from Israel following a bloody raid on a pro-Palestinian flotilla by Israeli soldiers, returned to a hero's welcome in Turkey early Thursday. Nine bodies were also on the first plane.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc and several Turkish lawmakers welcomed them at the airport after Turkey pressured Israel to release the detainees, most of whom are Turkish.

"They faced barbarism and oppression but returned with pride," Arinc told hundreds of jubilant relatives and supporters who burst into applause outside the airport, chanting "God is Great!" A few thousand people also celebrated their return in downtown Istanbul.

Three air ambulance planes, carrying wounded activists, landed in Ankara earlier. NTV television said the activists who arrived in Istanbul would also undergo medical checks.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100603/ap_on_re_eu/eu_turkey_israel