Crime writer Mankell to join new Gaza aid convoy

[May 26, 2011]  STOCKHOLM (AP) -- Organizers say best-selling crime novelist Henning Mankell will participate in a new Gaza aid convoy in June, double the size of last year's flotilla.

Ship to Gaza Sweden Wednesday said Mankell will join around 20 other Swedes on the convoy, aimed at stopping Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Mankell, whose books about the gloomy Inspector Kurt Wallander have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, was one of 11 Swedes traveling in last year's six-ship aid convoy that was raided by Israeli commandos.

Nine activists were killed in the raids, which provoked an international outcry that forced Israel to ease its Gaza blockade.

Organizers say activists from Europe, Canada and the U.S. will participate in the next convoy, at the end of June.

[Associated Press]

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