UN demands Israel ‘immediately’ release Gaza flotilla activists

Activist Saif Abu Keshek, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israel, sits at a magistrate's court for a detention extension hearing in Ashkelon, southern Israel. (Reuters)

GENEVA: The United Nations on Wednesday called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, and demanded an investigation into “disturbing accounts” they had been severely mistreated.
“Israel must immediately and unconditionally release Global Sumud Flotilla members Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila, who were detained in international waters and brought to Israel where they continue to be held without charge,” UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement.