Rights group accuses Israel of torturing detained flotilla activists
A lawyer for Palestinian human rights organisation Adalah accused Israeli forces of abusing two activists detained after the interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Lubna Tuma said, “Once separated and detained, they were subjected to a series of violent acts,” adding that they were beaten, blindfolded and forced to lie face down.
Tuma said the activists, Thiago Avila and Seif Abu Keshek, reported severe mistreatment.
“During our meeting, they testified to the extensive violence they endured,” she said. “We are speaking about a level of violence that, under international law, is classified as torture.”
Israeli security personnel escort Brazilian activist Thiago Avila to court in Ashkelon, 3 May 2026. (Ilia Yefimovich/AFP)