UN demands release of Gaza flotilla activists as Israeli court extends detention until May 10
United Nations called Tuesday for the immediate release of two Gaza aid flotilla activists held in Israeli detention
NEW YORK (MNTV) – The United Nations called Tuesday for the immediate release of two Gaza aid flotilla activists held in Israeli detention after an Israeli court extended their imprisonment until May 10.
“They should be released,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference when asked about the detention of Brazilian activist Thiago de Avila and Spanish-Palestinian activist Saif Abukeshek, without elaborating further.
Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on April 30 near the Greek island of Crete, approximately 600 nautical miles from Gaza, seizing the activists along with 173 others aboard more than 20 vessels attempting to break Israel’s blockade of the territory.
During Tuesday’s court hearing, the activists’ lawyers argued that “the allegations against them are baseless and that there is no legal justification for their continued detention,” according to Adalah, an Israeli advocacy group for Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Adalah said Monday that both men have received death threats while held in complete isolation under continuous bright lighting 24 hours a day. The group has demanded their immediate and unconditional release and an end to what it describes as illegal detention procedures.
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