Lula demands release of activists detained by Israel

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly condemned Israel's detention of two activists, Thiago Ávila of Brazil and Saif Abukeshek of Palestinian-Spanish nationality, who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading towards Gaza. The Brazilian leader took to social media platform X to demand their immediate release and ensure their safety, labeling the continued detention of Ávila as unjustifiable and a grave affront to international law.

The activists were intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters, a move Lula argued was a violation of international norms. Unlike previous flotilla participants who faced administrative expulsion, Ávila and Abukeshek are being investigated by Israeli intelligence for alleged terrorism offenses. This marks a significant escalation, with Israel asserting jurisdiction over individuals apprehended outside its territorial waters, a stance that has drawn criticism.

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Mantener detenido al ciudadano brasileño Thiago Ávila, miembro de la flotilla Global Sumud, es una medida injustificable por parte del Gobierno de Israel, que suscita gran preocupación y debe ser condenada por todos

Reports indicate that both activists have been on a hunger strike since their arrest last Thursday and have appeared before an Israeli court. Their legal defense argues that their detention is illegal, citing their status as foreign nationals captured in international waters and questioning Israel's jurisdiction. Furthermore, allegations of psychological mistreatment in a detention center, including cold cells and sleep deprivation techniques, have surfaced, adding another layer of concern to the situation. From Brazil's perspective, this is not merely a diplomatic issue but a matter of protecting its citizens abroad and upholding principles of international law and human rights, especially when humanitarian missions are involved.

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ya había supuesto una grave afrenta al derecho internacional