An Israeli court has extended by two days the detention of a Swedish man with Spanish citizenship, arrested during Israel's raid on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Spain demands his immediate release, while Sweden raises concerns over his treatment.
Following his initial detention on Thursday during Israel's military operation against the Global Sumud Flotilla—a convoy of over 50 boats aiming to break the Gaza blockade near Crete—the Swedish man in his 40s, who also holds Spanish citizenship, had his custody extended by an Israeli court on Sunday.
Arrested alongside a Brazilian activist, both are held at Shikma Prison in Ashkelon. The court granted two days' extension despite Israel's request for four, according to their lawyer Miriam Azem at the Adalah legal center.
The Brazilian detainee reported 'extreme brutality' during the Mediterranean boarding, including being dragged face-down and beaten unconscious. The Swede was reportedly forced face-down during transport to Israel. Israel has not commented.
Spain deems the detention 'unlawful' and calls for release. Sweden's Foreign Ministry takes the treatment reports seriously, with Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) contacting her Israeli counterpart directly.
