Brazilian Global Sumud Flotilla activist Thiago Avila has been released from Israeli detention after being captured in international waters. Israeli authorities accused him of assisting the enemy during wartime and providing services to a terrorist organisation.
Flotilla activist alleges torture in Israeli detention
Israeli authorities have released flotilla activist Thiago Avila, who had been held in detention following his capture on the Global Sumud Flotilla. The Israeli navy captured Thiago Avila, along with other activists, when they intercepted the flotilla headed for Gaza on the Mediterranean Sea.
He returned to São Paulo after he was deported from Israel. After the initial release of most captured activists, Israeli authorities continued to hold Thiago and another activist captive. They were accused of “assisting the enemy during wartime” and “providing services to a terrorist organisation.”
Moreover, the Global Sumud Flotilla was on a mission to challenge the Israeli blockade of aid into Gaza. The mission began after direct calls for aid from Gaza.
Israeli authorities released Saif earlier, while Thiago was released more recently. Saif, Thiago, and other captured activists accused Israeli authorities of maltreatment and torture.
“My return was simply a correction of a serious violation. I was kidnapped by Israel. I wasn’t imprisoned. I was tortured by Israel. I was not interrogated with advanced methods as they claimed while I was inside, saying they were authorised to do so,” Avila said.
Additionally, Avila claimed that he and Saif suffered all kinds of violations while in detention. He also said Palestinian prisoners suffered even worse experiences.
Before their release, several organisations and political leaders demanded that the Israeli forces release the captured activists. Protests also erupted in different parts of the world to demand the release of the activists.
Activists and flotilla group restrategising towards Gaza mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla group is set to hold an international assembly in Turkey to deepen its political strategy. Organisers will also hold a press conference to present the next stage of the mission.
Meanwhile, the group launched a land convoy, which is now headed to Gaza with aid. The convoy comprises 10 ambulances, 50 aid trucks, and 20 mobile homes. The convoy set off from Mauritania and is currently moving through Algeria to reach Libya.
“We need to defeat Netanyahu and Donald Trump, we need to defeat the war criminals,” released activist Thiago Avila said.