Lawyers accuse Israel of mistreatment and 'illegal interrogations' of activists

In a stark denunciation, the legal team representing two activists detained by Israel has accused the Israeli authorities of severe mistreatment and conducting illegal interrogations. The activists, identified as Brazilian Thiago Ávila and Palestinian-Spanish Saif Abukeshek, were part of the Global Flotilla Sumud. Their lawyers, from the Adalah organization, met with the detainees at Shikma prison in Ashkelon, detailing harrowing accounts of abuse since their apprehension.

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beaten, dragged across the floor and kept blindfolded and incommunicado since his arrest, which would have caused visible injuries, intense pain and episodes of loss of consciousness.

According to Adalah's statement, Ávila reported being beaten, dragged, and held blindfolded and incommunicado, resulting in visible injuries and loss of consciousness. He was reportedly interrogated by Israeli intelligence services on suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organization without formal charges being filed. Similarly, Abukeshek allegedly endured prolonged periods with his hands bound and eyes blindfolded, forced into stress positions that caused bruising and pain. The lack of specific charges in both cases further compounds the alleged violations.

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hands tied, blindfolded and forced to remain in stress positions since his arrest on Thursday, which would have caused bruises on his face and hands.

The legal team emphasizes that the activists were denied legal counsel during interrogations, a critical failure that renders the proceedings illegal according to international standards. Both Ávila and Abukeshek are reportedly on a hunger strike, though they continue to drink water. Adalah asserts that these conditions constitute grave violations of international law. Israel has yet to respond to these accusations. The activists are scheduled to appear before the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court on Sunday, where prosecutors will seek to extend their detention. The incident has drawn strong reactions, with Spain and Brazil demanding the immediate release of their citizens, who were transferred to Israel instead of being released in Greece as initially planned.

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The two activists will appear tomorrow, Sunday, May 3, before the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court for a hearing in which the extension of their detention will be requested.