Deported Gaza flotilla activist arrives home in Brazil, alleges abuse in Israeli custody

Brazilian activist Thiago Avila returns to Sao Paulo following his detention and deportation from Israel, where he alleged he faced abuse during 10 days in custody.

Avila and Spanish national Abu Keshek were part of the second Global Sumud Flotilla that launched from Spain on April 12, attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza with a symbolic aid delivery.  The two men were arrested and taken to Israel after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, while more than 100 other pro-Palestinian activists were taken to Crete.

Avila and Abu Keshek were held under suspicion of offences including aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist group. Both denied the allegations. They were released on Saturday and handed to immigration authorities for deportation.

“My return was simply a correction of a serious violation. I was kidnapped by Israel, I wasn’t imprisoned,” Avila tells reporters after his arrival at Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport.

Avila claims that he and Abu Keshek suffered “all kinds of violations” during their detention, adding that Palestinian prisoners in nearby cells experienced worse treatment.

The Israel Police, Israel Prison Service and Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment.

Israel dismissed claims by human rights group Adalah, which represented the men in a court hearing in Israel, that the men had been tortured in custody, and said all measures taken were in accordance with the law.

The governments of Spain and Brazil have said the detention was unlawful.

“We need to defeat (Prime Minister) Netanyahu and (US President) Donald Trump, we need to defeat the war criminals,” Avila says as supporters held signs calling for Brazil to cut ties with Israel.