KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Ten Malaysian delegates from the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC), who were detained in international waters near the Greek island of Crete on Thursday, have been released at the port of Lerapetra in Crete.
SNCC director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the 10 were among 175 humanitarian activists from Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 transported to Heraklion Airport in buses provided by the Greek authorities.
He also noted Turkiye has provided a 160-seat aircraft to repatriate 20 of its own citizens, while also offering seats to any GSF 2.0 activists who wish to join the flight.
“The flight is expected to depart from Heraklion Airport at 10.15pm and arrive at Istanbul International Airport at 11.45pm, both Malaysian time,” he told a press conference here last night.
He confirmed that the 10 released Malaysian activists have accepted the offer and will fly to Istanbul.
Sani Araby said SNCC received reports that the activists faced provocation and physical attacks during their detention and forced into uncomfortable conditions, leading to violent incidents that resulted in injuries to several participants.
He added that two members of the GSF 2.0 main steering committee, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila, remain in Israeli custody, believed to be an attempt to threaten and cripple the mission.
Sani Araby said SNCC has been in contact with the Foreign Ministry to coordinate travel arrangements for the Malaysian activists from Crete to Istanbul.
“Three SNCC representatives are already in Istanbul for management and assessment,” he said.
He added that the decision on whether the 10 Malaysian activists will continue their mission or go home depends on their health and consensus between SNCC and GSF 2.0.
Meanwhile, he said SNCC urges Malaysians and the international community to keep up the pressure on Israel and demand the release of Avila and Saif.
He also called on Malaysians to continue speaking up in support of a free Gaza and Palestine, to perform special prayers, and spread more verified information and advocacy efforts both at home and abroad.
GSF 2.0 is an international maritime coalition and global mobilisation movement committed to breaking Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian region.
