Ashkelon, Israel. An Israeli court has extended by two days the detention of two activists arrested aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece, their lawyer said on Sunday. A court spokesperson said their remand was extended until May 5.
Detentions following interception near Greece
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were detained by Israeli authorities late on Wednesday and brought to Israel, while more than 100 other pro-Palestinian activists aboard the boats were taken to the Greek island of Crete.
Government response from Spain and Brazil
The governments of Spain and Brazil issued a joint statement on Friday calling the detention of Abu Keshek and Avila illegal.
Flotilla mission and departure from Barcelona
The activists were part of a second Global Sumud flotilla, launched in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance. The ships had set sail from Barcelona on April 12.
Allegations cited by Israeli authorities
Israeli authorities requested a four-day extension of the arrests on suspicion of offences including assisting the enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, membership in and providing services to a terrorist organisation, and the transfer of property for a terrorist organisation, according to rights group Adalah, which is assisting in the activists’ defence.
Defence denies accusations and cites jurisdiction concerns
Hadeel Abu Salih, the men’s attorney, said the two deny the allegations. She said their arrest was unlawful due to a lack of jurisdiction and told Reuters at the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court after the hearing that the mission was meant to provide aid to civilians in Gaza, not to any militant group.
Claims of mistreatment and official responses
Abu Salih said Abu Keshek and Avila were subjected to violence en route to Israel and kept handcuffed and blindfolded until Thursday morning. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Foreign ministry statement
Israel’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that the flotilla organisers were “professional provocateurs”.
What do you think the court’s decision means for future Gaza-bound flotilla missions?
