Shahidul Alam, other activists reportedly taken to Israel’s Negev Desert

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer Dr Shahidul Alam and dozens of international activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla have been transferred to Ketziot Prison in Israel’s Negev Desert, according to a statement by Drik today.

Information from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Adalah – The Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel revealed that all journalists, health workers, human rights defenders, and crew members on the flotilla were forcibly taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod before being moved to the desert detention facility.

The detainees reportedly told Adalah’s legal team that they had been subjected to violence and mistreatment following the seizure of the ships by Israeli forces.

“Palestinians face similar and worse forms of violence every day,” the Drik statement said.

Rights groups estimate that around 10,000 Palestinians are currently held in Ketziot Prison. Drik has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all Freedom Flotilla activists and Palestinian political prisoners.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of solidarity, declaring: “Palestine will be free.”