Israel extends detention of Gaza flotilla activists by 6 days without charges

Israel has extended the detention of two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla by six days without filing charges, deepening its unlawful practices following the attack on the Gaza-bound humanitarian mission in international waters. The Ashkelon Magistrate's Court ruled that Thiago Avila and Saif Abukeshek will remain in custody until 9:00 AM on May 10.

No charges filed

The court extended the detention based solely on "ongoing investigation" grounds, despite no formal charges being filed. Prosecutors have alleged serious offenses including aiding an enemy in wartime, contact with a foreign agent, membership in a terrorist organization, and supporting a terrorist group, but these claims have not been backed by concrete evidence.

Secret evidence

The decision was reportedly based on "secret evidence" not shown to the defense. Lawyers for the Israeli rights group Adalah said the activists and their attorneys were not permitted to review the files, yet the court approved the six-day extension without any limits on the interrogation process.

'Legitimizing lawlessness'

Adalah lawyers Hadeel Abu Salih and Lubna Tuma emphasized that the allegations are baseless and lack legal foundation. "Extending the detention of humanitarian activists abducted in international waters represents legitimizing lawlessness through the judiciary," they said. The lawyers noted that the activists are not Israeli citizens and were detained 1,000 kilometers from Gaza, meaning Israeli domestic law should not apply. Adalah announced it would appeal the decision.

Torture and threats

The activists have been held in complete isolation, subjected to 24-hour bright lights in their cells, and blindfolded even during medical examinations. Both have been on hunger strike since April 30, consuming only water. Thiago Avila has endured hours-long interrogations and been threatened by interrogators with death or "100 years in prison."

One activist returns

Meanwhile, Hüseyin Oral, another activist detained in the attack, has returned to Istanbul. Showing bruises on his arms from handcuffs, Oral described being violently transferred to the ship used as a prison and being subjected to reverse handcuffing.