Two activists are on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison following their seizure from the ship Madelin [1, 2].
The situation highlights escalating tensions between Israeli naval forces and international activists participating in the "Fleet of Resilience," a movement aimed at challenging maritime blockades [2].
Tiago de Avila, a Brazilian activist, and Saif Abu Kosh, a Spanish activist, are currently detained at Shkma prison [1, 2]. According to the Justice Center for Human Rights, the two men were seized by the Israeli navy in international waters while aboard the Madelin [1, 2].
The Justice Center said the activists are being subjected to psychological torture and death threats [1, 2]. The group said the detainees are being held in a very cold cell and are exposed to continuous bright lighting throughout the day to deprive them of sleep [1].
In response to their alleged illegal kidnapping and subsequent treatment, de Avila and Abu Kosh have entered their sixth day of a hunger strike [1]. The Justice Center said this action is a protest against the conditions of their detention and the circumstances of their capture [1, 2].
"We are concerned about the escalation of the Israeli authorities against the activists of the ship 'Madelin'," the Justice Center said [2]. The center said the harsh treatment and detention are intended to pressure or silence the activists for their involvement with the fleet [2].
Israeli authorities have not yet issued a public response regarding the specific allegations of torture or the legal status of the activists' detention [1, 2].
“The activists are being subjected to psychological torture and death threats.”
The detention of foreign nationals from the 'Fleet of Resilience' underscores the volatile nature of maritime activism in the region. By targeting activists in international waters and allegedly using sleep deprivation and temperature control, the state may be attempting to deter future international flotillas from attempting to break naval blockades.
