Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila was tortured after being abducted in international waters by Israeli forces while en route to a humanitarian mission to Gaza, the Global Flotilla Sumud reported on Saturday.
In a statement reported by Brazilian media, the international movement confirmed that both Ávila and the Spanish-Swedish activist of Palestinian origin, Saif Abukeshek, were transferred to Shikma Prison in Askalan, north of Gaza, in occupied Palestine, following their illegal abduction in European waters.
The prison is known for holding Palestinian prisoners under harsh conditions and has recently been used to detain civilians abducted from Gaza as part of the Israeli campaign against the Palestinian people, the Flotilla noted.
According to the organization, following his forced transfer, new testimonies have emerged through diplomatic channels raising alarm about the treatment of the detainees.
According to the Brazilian embassy, Thiago Ávila reported being subjected to torture, beatings and ill-treatment, the statement indicated.
During a supervised visit, in which he was separated by glass and unable to communicate freely, officials observed visible marks on the activist’s face. He also reported significant pain, especially in his shoulder, the statement added.
Despite being examined by a doctor, he did not receive adequate medical attention, the statement noted, and the embassy is now demanding immediate and appropriate treatment.
The statement also indicated that Ávila is on a hunger strike, consuming only water, has not been informed of any charges against him, and the embassy has not received any clarification regarding the legal basis for his detention.
Furthermore, the Brazilian stated that he will not leave detention unless Saif Abukeshek, who is also on a hunger strike, is released.
In the statement, the movement called on the governments of Spain, Sweden, and Brazil to take immediate diplomatic action to secure the release of their citizens and requested the urgent intervention of international organizations to guarantee the safety and rights of those detained.
The day before, the Brazilian and Spanish governments issued a joint statement strongly condemning the abduction of two of their citizens in international waters by Israel.
They noted that both were aboard vessels belonging to the flotilla boarded by Israeli forces off the coast of Greece and were not released after the vessels were intercepted and the passengers and crew were subsequently taken ashore on the island of Crete.
The Brazilian and Spanish governments demand that Israel immediately return their citizens, with full guarantees of their safety, and that they be granted immediate consular access for their assistance and protection, the statement added.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
