Following a multi-week investigation, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Gaza flotilla activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila were deported from Israel
Archiv: Schweden / Sweden
The Global Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Immediate Release of Political Prisoner Saif Abukeshek As Swedish Embassy Visit Reveals Threats, Abuse, and Deteriorating Health in israeli Detention
The international community must understand the gravity of this moment. israel is holding a Palestinian activist seized in international waters without charge, threatening his children and family, psychologically tormenting him during interrogations, and allowing his health to deteriorate during a dry hunger strike.
The Global Sumud Flotilla calls on:
– The Swedish government to immediately demand Saif’s release and publicly condemn his treatment;
– International human rights organizations and legal bodies to intervene before irreversible harm is done;
– Media outlets worldwide to expose the reality of what is happening inside the Shikma detention facility for decades;
– People of conscience everywhere to raise urgent public pressure for Saif’s release and the release of Thiago and all Palestinian hostages and political prisoners
– Accountability of all those involved in these ongoing abuses and crimes against humanity against Saif, Thiago and all Palestinians.
Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until May 10
„I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,“ Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush concluded after hearing parties‘ arguments in granting the extension.
Lawyers for human rights group Adalah had argued during the hearing that the allegations were baseless and there were no legal grounds for the continued detention of the two men.
They said no formal charges have been filed, and their detention was for purposes of ongoing interrogation.
Israeli court extends detention of 2 Gaza-bound flotilla volunteers
However, their lawyers argued that “the entire legal process is fundamentally flawed and illegal,” the statement added.
No charges have been filed against either activists and they remain under interrogation at the pre-indictment stage, the group said.
Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza aid flotilla activists by two days
Spain’s foreign minister on Saturday called for the immediate release of Saif Abukeshek, a dual Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, who was detained for questioning in Israel on Saturday along with Thiago Ávila of Brazil. A legal aid group said both men had launched a hunger strike. Dozens of other activists were picked up by the Greek coast guard following the Israeli action and taken to the island of Crete. (AP video shot by Ami Bentov)
Flotilla Activists Beaten and Shot at by IDF, With 34 Hospitalised in Greece
34 wounded participants – including two Brits – have been taken to hospital in Crete, flotilla organisers said, with broken bones and other injuries. One participant was reportedly knocked unconscious for several minutes, while another has serious injuries to their neck. Several have broken ribs and noses, and some appear to be wearing blood-stained clothes.
Nearly 200 others are still being held on buses by Greek authorities, with the government accused of “cooperating fully” with Israel.
Turkish activist slams Israel’s illegal interception of Gaza aid flotilla, calls it ‘piracy’
Turkish activist Suayb Ordu says Israeli forces “kidnapped” Global Sumud Flotilla activists in international waters, calling it an “outright piracy.”
Ordu emphasised that they were subjected to torture and abuse by Israel, being forced to cram into containers and treated like “animals.”
On Wednesday, Israeli forces seized 22 Gaza-bound ships carrying humanitarian aid and detained over 180 activists, in what organisers from the Global Sumud Flotilla described as an act of “piracy”.
Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Urgent EU Intervention After Two Civilians Abducted and Disappear
(May 1, 2026)
Saif Abukeshek (a Spanish and Swedish national of Palestinian origin) and Thiago Ávila (a Brazilian national), civilian flotilla participants sailing under an Italian vessel, have not been heard from since the interception. Their whereabouts, legal status, and physical condition remain unknown.
First-hand testimony from participants reveals that Abukeshek was on an observer boat, which was never intended to go to Gaza, and was harshly beaten before being removed and isolated from the rest of the participants; he has not been heard from since.
There is credible reason to believe that both individuals may still be in or near Greek waters, potentially aboard an Israeli naval vessel. Despite the gravity of the situation, no authority has confirmed their location or whether they have access to legal counsel, consular support, or basic legal protections.
Most Gaza flotilla activists disembark in Greece, Israel brings two in for questioning
Saif Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Thiago Ávila is suspected of illegal activity.
Joint statement by the Prime Ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada
We – the Prime Ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada – met in Oslo today, 15 March 2026.
At a time characterized by heightened geopolitical tension, war and a multitude of crises, we are united in the view that international cooperation, based on international law, shared values and interests, remains the best way to strengthen our common security and prosperity.
As democracies and countries committed to the rule of law, human rights, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, we share fundamental values, and strengths.
Today we have agreed to deepen cooperation between our countries to ensure the safety, security and sovereignty of our people, and to build prosperous and green economies of the future.
Trump says 8 European countries will face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would face the tariff, Trump said in a social media post while at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The rate would climb to 25% on June 1 if no deal was in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States, he said.
Trump ‘Wages War’ On Greenland, NATO Fires Back; France, Germany, Sweden, Norway Put Boots On Ground
NATO allies are moving troops and military assets to Greenland as tensions rise in the Arctic. Denmark announced it is boosting its military presence on the island with aircraft, naval vessels, and soldiers, while Sweden confirmed it is sending officers at Copenhagen’s request. France, Norway, and Netherlands have also stepped in.
France to send troops to Greenland for joint exercise with several European countries
France, the European Union‘s only nuclear power, also confirmed that it would send troops to Greenland..
Sweden and the Netherlands want the EU to end trade agreement with Israel
„Sweden, therefore, demands that the EU freeze the trade component of the association agreement as soon as possible. (…)
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also called for the suspension of the trade component of the EU-Israel Association Agreement if aid to Gaza is not increased.
2025 Handala Participants
Ange Sahuquet (France)
Ange Sahuquet is a French activist and engineer currently serving aboard the MV Handala, a ship sailing in solidarity with
Antonio La Picirella (Italy)
Antonio La Picirella was born in Bari in 1990 and raised within the social justice movements of Southern Italy.
Antonio Mazzeo (Italy)
Teacher, peace researcher, and journalist committed to peace, militarization, the environment, human rights, and the fight against mafia crime.
Bob Suberi (United States)
First generation Palestinian Jew, I was born in Los Angeles in 1948. My parents immigrated in 1938/39.
Braedon Peluso (United States)
Braedon Peluso is a seasoned sailor with over a decade of experience at sea, much of it dedicated to activism
Chloé Fiona Ludden (United Kingdom – France)
Chloé is a former United Nations staff member and scientist. She resigned from the UN to join the Freedom Flotilla
Christian Smalls (United States)
Christian Smalls is the founder of the Amazon Labor Union, the first independent, democratic, worker-led labor union in American History
Emma Fourreau (France – Sweden)
Emma Fourreau (born 1999 in France) is a French-Swedish politician, environmental activist and member of La France Insoumise (LFI).
Frank Romano (United States – France)
DR. FRANK ROMANO earned a PhD at University of Paris I, Panthéon Sorbonne, and a JD at Golden Gate University,
Gabrielle Cathala (France)
My name is Gabrielle Cathala, I am 33 years old. I was elected as a Member of Parliament
Hatem Aouini (Tunisia)
Hatem Aouini, 50 years old, Tunisian, Father of Nidhal 20 years and to Yasmine 13 years, is an Internationalist activist;
Huwaida Arraf (United States)
Huwaida Arraf is a Palestinian-American civil/human rights attorney and social justice activist. She has been involved in legal, political, …
Jacob Berger (United States)
Jacob Berger is a 40 year old tv/film actor, viral content creator and Jewish-American activist very active in the Palestinian..
Justine Kempf (France)
Justine Kempf worked as a nurse for Doctors Without Borders during a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, …
Mohamed El Bakkali (Morocco)
Mohamed El Bakkali is a journalist with Al Jazeera, originally from Morocco and currently based in Paris.
Robert Martin (Australia)
Robert Martin knew the only way to uncover the truth was to go to Palestine and see it for himself.
Santiago González Vallejo (Spain)
Born, Madrid, 1956. Economist by profession, former trade unionist, now retired. Co-founder of the Committee for Solidarity with the Arab …
Tan Safi (Australia)
Tan was born in Gadigal country to parents who fled Lebanon after surviving the Israeli invasions in the 70s …
Vigdis Bjorvand (Norway)
Vigdis Bjorvand is a 70-year-old activist from Norway whose unwavering commitment to justice has spanned nearly five decades.
Waad Al Musa (United States – Iraq)
Waad Aal Musa is an Iraqi-American journalist and accomplished cameraman currently working with Al Jazeera.
2025 Handala Participants
Ange Sahuquet (France)
Ange Sahuquet is a French activist and engineer currently serving aboard the MV Handala, a ship sailing in solidarity with
Antonio La Picirella (Italy)
Antonio La Picirella was born in Bari in 1990 and raised within the social justice movements of Southern Italy.
Antonio Mazzeo (Italy)
Teacher, peace researcher, and journalist committed to peace, militarization, the environment, human rights, and the fight against mafia crime.
Bob Suberi (United States)
First generation Palestinian Jew, I was born in Los Angeles in 1948. My parents immigrated in 1938/39.
Braedon Peluso (United States)
Braedon Peluso is a seasoned sailor with over a decade of experience at sea, much of it dedicated to activism
Chloé Fiona Ludden (United Kingdom – France)
Chloé is a former United Nations staff member and scientist. She resigned from the UN to join the Freedom Flotilla
Christian Smalls (United States)
Christian Smalls is the founder of the Amazon Labor Union, the first independent, democratic, worker-led labor union in American History
Emma Fourreau (France – Sweden)
Emma Fourreau (born 1999 in France) is a French-Swedish politician, environmental activist and member of La France Insoumise (LFI).
Frank Romano (United States – France)
DR. FRANK ROMANO earned a PhD at University of Paris I, Panthéon Sorbonne, and a JD at Golden Gate University,
Gabrielle Cathala (France)
My name is Gabrielle Cathala, I am 33 years old. I was elected as a Member of Parliament
Hatem Aouini (Tunisia)
Hatem Aouini, 50 years old, Tunisian, Father of Nidhal 20 years and to Yasmine 13 years, is an Internationalist activist;
Huwaida Arraf (United States)
Huwaida Arraf is a Palestinian-American civil/human rights attorney and social justice activist. She has been involved in legal, political, …
Jacob Berger (United States)
Jacob Berger is a 40 year old tv/film actor, viral content creator and Jewish-American activist very active in the Palestinian..
Justine Kempf (France)
Justine Kempf worked as a nurse for Doctors Without Borders during a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, …
Mohamed El Bakkali (Morocco)
Mohamed El Bakkali is a journalist with Al Jazeera, originally from Morocco and currently based in Paris.
Robert Martin (Australia)
Robert Martin knew the only way to uncover the truth was to go to Palestine and see it for himself.
Santiago González Vallejo (Spain)
Born, Madrid, 1956. Economist by profession, former trade unionist, now retired. Co-founder of the Committee for Solidarity with the Arab …
Tan Safi (Australia)
Tan was born in Gadigal country to parents who fled Lebanon after surviving the Israeli invasions in the 70s …
Vigdis Bjorvand (Norway)
Vigdis Bjorvand is a 70-year-old activist from Norway whose unwavering commitment to justice has spanned nearly five decades.
Waad Al Musa (United States – Iraq)
Waad Aal Musa is an Iraqi-American journalist and accomplished cameraman currently working with Al Jazeera.
Volunteers Aboard the Freedom Flotilla’s ‘Madleen’ Issue SOS Call
SOS! The volunteers on ‚Madleen‘ have been taken illegally against their will by Israeli forces. Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!
FR:
E: alertes.cdc(at)diplomatie.gouv.fr & courrier.scec(at)diplomatie.gouv.fr
X : (at)FranceDiplo_EN & (at)francediplo & (at)jnbarot
FB : (at)France Diplomatie & (at)Jean-Noël Barot
IG : (at)francediplo & (at)jeannoelbarot
SP:
E: consular(at)maec.es
X (at)SpainMFA & (at)MAECgob
IG : (at)exteriores.maec
GE:
W: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/vi…
IG : (at)auswaertigesamt
FB : (at)Auswärtiges Amt
X : GermanyDiplo
BR:
Email : portal(at)itamaraty.gov.br
X : ItamaratyGovBr
IG : (at)itamaratygovbr
FB : (at)Ministerio das relacoes exteriroes
SW:
Web: https://www.government.se/contacts/
X : (at)SweMFA
FB : (at)SweMFA
IG : swedishmfa
TUR
X : (at)MFATurkiye
IG : (at)tcdisisleri
FB : (at)T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı
NED
X : (at)DutchMFA
IG : (at)minbz
FB : (at)ministeriebz
Mehrere europäische Länder greifen Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung an
(March 4, 2025)
In Großbritannien ist mit dem Investigatory Powers Act schon länger ein solches Gesetz in Kraft. Auf Grundlage des Gesetzes forderte die Regierung Anfang Februar von Apple, weltweit Hintertüren in seine iCloud-Verschlüsselung einzubauen.
(…)
In Frankreich hat jüngst ein Gesetz gegen den Drogenhandel den Senat passiert und soll schon im März in Parlament und Ausschüssen weiter behandelt werden. Dieses „hoch politisierte“ Gesetzespaket enthält eine Reihe an Verschärfungen, etwa eine heimliche Fernüberwachung über Mikrofone und Kameras von Endgeräten.
Der Menschenrechtsorganisation la Quadrature du Net bereitet aber wohl ein Gesetzeszusatz die größten Sorgen, der sich gezielt gegen verschlüsselte Kommunikation richtet. Der Passus soll Online-Dienste wie Signal oder WhatsApp verpflichten, Kommunikationsdaten in lesbarer Form herauszugeben und bedroht die Nichtbeachtung mit Strafen von bis zu 1,5 Millionen Euro für natürliche Personen oder zwei Prozent des Jahresumsatzes von juristischen Personen wie Unternehmen oder Stiftungen.
(…)
In Schweden ist ein geplantes Gesetz gegen illegale Online-Inhalte noch nicht ganz so weit. Es soll voraussichtlich erst im kommenden Jahr in den schwedischen Reichstag kommen. Die Initiative sieht laut SVT Nyheter vor, dass Messenger die Kommunikationen ihrer Nutzer:innen speichern müssen. Es sei „absolut entscheidend“, dass Ermittlungsbehörden Zugang zu digitaler Kommunikation erhalten, forderte der schwedische Justizminister.
Putin says Russia will deploy troops to Finland‘s border now it is in NATO, RIA reports
„We didn‘t have troops there (at the Finnish border), now they will be there. There were no systems of destruction there, now they will appear,“ he said.
What countries are in the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes agreements?
Fourteen Eyes agreement countries
Fourteen Eyes (or 14 Eyes) refers to the intelligence group that consists of the Five Eyes member countries plus:
– Belgium
– Denmark
– France
– Germany
– Italy
– The Netherlands
– Norway
– Spain
– Sweden
These countries participate in SIGINT sharing as third parties. The official name of the Fourteen Eyes is the SIGINT Seniors of Europe (SSEUR), which has existed in one form or another since 1982. Similar to the UKUSA Agreement, its original mission was to uncover information about the USSR.
A SIGINT Seniors Meeting is attended by the heads of the SIGINT agencies (NSA, GCHQ, BND, the French DGSE, etc.) and is where they can share intelligence and discuss related issues. While this group has many of the same members as the “Nine Eyes”, it is a different group. According to leaked documents, the Fourteen Eyes is not a formal treaty but rather an agreement made between SIGINT agencies.
A Surveillance Primer: 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, 14 Eyes
(August 15, 2022)
The Five Eyes (FVEY) surveillance alliance includes the following countries:
– Australia
– Canada
– New Zealand
– United Kingdom
– United States
(…)
The Nine Eyes countries include:
– 5 Eyes countries +
– Denmark
– France
– Netherlands
– Norway
(…)
The 14 Eyes surveillance countries include:
– 9 Eyes countries +
– Germany
– Belgium
– Italy
– Sweden
– Spain
NATO countries to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in Romania
(12 July 2023)
A coalition of 11 nations decided during the recent NATO summit in Lithuania to start training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets in August in Denmark. A training center will also be set up in Romania for the same purpose.
NATO members Denmark and the Netherlands have been leading international efforts to train pilots as well as support staff, maintain aircraft and ultimately enable the supply of F-16s to Ukraine in its war with Russia, according to Reuters.
Group of 11 countries forms coalition for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters
(11.07.2023)
The Ministry of Defence of Denmark reported that Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the UK agreed to start the training of Ukrainians on the F-16 fighters.
The training is expected to start at the end of the summer and will be conducted in Denmark.
Changes on the horizon as Swedish armed forces prepare for Nato membership
Last night Nato‘s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that Turkey has, after months of negotiations, said yes to Sweden joining the military alliance.
This will mean new tasks ahead for the Swedish armed forces.
Five Eyes, Six Eyes, Europe’s Eyes? Europe-Five Eyes Cooperation in the Face of China
(Mar 27, 2021)
In the short term, Europe may be able to shrug off the illegality of its data-sharing practices under the GDPR, and please privacy advocates with adequacy reviews, but in the long term the violation of Europe’s own data privacy crownpiece is sure to harm its international credibility.
Blockade: Kein NATO-Beitritt Schwedens auf Gipfel
Schweden kann seine Hoffnungen auf einen NATO-Beitritt auf dem Gipfel des Verteidigungsbündnisses Mitte Juli begraben.
Das ungarische Parlament habe die Ratifizierung des Beitrittsprotokolls nicht auf die Tagesordnung seiner letzten Sitzung vor der Sommerpause gesetzt, teilte die oppositionelle Abgeordnete Agnes Vadai heute nach einer Sitzung des parlamentarischen Hauptausschusses mit.
Schweden beschließt verschärftes Anti-Terror-Gesetz
Bei der Vorstellung des Gesetzes im Februar hatte Justizminister Gunnar Strömmer gesagt, der Vorschlag stelle eine „erhebliche Ausweitung des Anwendungsbereichs im Vergleich zu den geltenden Rechtsvorschriften“ dar. So seien nun beispielsweise auch der Umgang mit Ausrüstungsgegenständen, die Organisation von Versammlungsorten, das Kochen und die Bereitstellung von Transport für terroristische Organisationen strafbar.