Americas
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, gestures as he arrives at Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport after being deported, in Guarulhos, Brazil, May 11, 2026. (Reuters/Amanda Perobelli)
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila returned to Sao Paulo on Monday following his detention and deportation from Israel, where he alleged he was tortured and witnessed abuses of Palestinian prisoners during 10 days in custody.Avila and Spanish national Abu Keshek were part of the second Global Sumud Flotilla that launched from Spain on April 12 attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering aid. The two men were arrested and taken to Israel after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, while more than 100 other pro-Palestinian activists were taken to Crete.
Avila and Abu Keshek were held under suspicion of offences including aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist group. Both denied the allegations. They were released on Saturday and handed to immigration authorities for deportation.
"My return was simply a correction of a serious violation. I was kidnapped by Israel, I wasn't imprisoned," Avila told reporters after his arrival at Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport.
