Story perspectives

Israeli Court Extends Detention of Spaniard, Brazilian Amid Abuse Allegations

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli court in Ashkelon extended detention of Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Avila until May 10 despite no charges.
Activists say they were blindfolded, hand-tied, beaten, forced face-down and isolated during a hunger strike.
Italian prosecutors opened an investigation into the detention’s legality after Spain and Brazil complained.
Spain, Brazil and human-rights group Adalah condemned the detention as illegal and appealed, calling the court’s decision state lawlessness.

History

Historical Context

After the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights entered into force on 23 March 1976, the United Nations has tracked its 173 state parties, including Israel, which ratified the treaty in 1991. In May 2024, an Ashkelon magistrate extended the detention of Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, prompting protests from Spain, Brazil and human-rights groups, reviving debate over Israel’s compliance with the covenant.

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Story summary

Israeli court in Ashkelon extended detention of Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Avila until May 10 despite no charges.
Activists say they were blindfolded, hand-tied, beaten, forced face-down and isolated during a hunger strike.
Italian prosecutors opened an investigation into the detention’s legality after Spain and Brazil complained.
Spain, Brazil and human-rights group Adalah condemned the detention as illegal and appealed, calling the court’s decision state lawlessness.

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