Israel Transfers Shahidul Alam and Other Freedom Flotilla Activists to Ketziot Prison

Darwin, 10 October- 

Israel has transferred Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam and several other activists detained from the Freedom Flotilla—a Gaza-bound humanitarian convoy—to Ketziot Prison, one of Israel’s largest detention facilities.

According to a statement from Drik, citing the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Adalah, an Israeli human rights organization working for the Arab minority, the detainees include journalists, healthcare workers, human rights defenders, and crew members.

The statement said, “Through the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Adalah, we have learned that Shahidul Alam and others have been sent to Ketziot Prison. Members of the flotilla reported being subjected to violence by Israeli forces after the seizure of the ships.”

Located in the Negev Desert, Ketziot is Israel’s largest detention center and has long been criticized for alleged mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, according to reports by Reuters.

Shahidul Alam, managing director of Drik, joined the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in its mission to challenge Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza and protest the ongoing atrocities against Palestinians. The flotilla was part of a broader campaign that included another initiative, “A Thousand Madelines to Gaza,” which sent eight vessels to join the journey. In total, nine ships carrying politicians, journalists, doctors, and human rights activists from various countries were part of the mission.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces attacked the convoy and detained all passengers, including the crew. The detainees were first taken to Ashdod Port, where they underwent legal processing before being transferred to Ketziot Prison.

In a statement posted on Facebook, A Thousand Madelines to Gaza said Israel had “illegally detained 145 people from the flotilla” and that many had been beaten and humiliated in custody. Lawyers from Adalah confirmed these reports, noting that court hearings regarding the detainees’ release could take place as early as today. However, Israeli authorities have reportedly been obstructing full legal access for the detainees.

The Freedom Flotilla’s mission aimed to draw international attention to the Israeli blockade of Gaza, calling for an end to what activists described as systematic oppression and aggression against Palestinians.

Sources: Drik | Freedom Flotilla Coalition | Adalah | Reuters