Shahidul Alam released from Israeli prison

Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Dr. Shahidul Alam has been released from Israeli prison, officials confirmed.

Dr. Alam, along with all journalists, healthcare workers, and crew members aboard the Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience, was detained by Israeli forces early on Wednesday, October 8. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced his release on Facebook o Friday.

“A flight departed from Israel this afternoon, with Shahidul Alam among the passengers. According to Turkish sources, the flight is scheduled to land in Istanbul at 2:30 pm local time,” the statement said.

The release process was facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to President Erdoğan for his assistance in securing Dr. Alam’s safe return to Bangladesh.

Earlier, Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla and detained all activists and crew members. According to Drik, legal support through the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Adalah The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel confirmed that all detainees were taken to Ashdod Port and subsequently transferred to Ketziot Prison after legal procedures.

Ketziot, Israel’s largest detention center located in the Negev Desert, has been reported by Reuters as a site of harsh treatment for Palestinian prisoners.