Known for his work in defense of the Palestinian cause, Thiago Ávla was arrested on Tuesday (31), upon landing in the country, where he would participate in activities and debates to promote the Global Sumud Flotilla
The human rights activist Thiago Ávilaknown internationally for his work in defense of the Palestinian causewas arrested on Tuesday (31), in Buenos Aires, upon landing with his wife and daughter at one of the airports in the Argentine capital.
According to reports from several supporters and also from his partner, Laura Souza, shared on social media, the activist had the entry into the country denied. He would participate in activities and debates to promote the Global Sumud Flotilla, of which he is one of the directors.
The articulation involves civil society movements that seek break the lock e bring international support to communities that are victims of international violations, especially in Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Global Sumud Flotilla Brasil reported that Ávila, his wife and daughter, a child under two years old, were stopped by airport police upon arriving at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, an airport in the central area of Buenos Aires, at around 10:30 in the morning. They came from activities in Uruguay.
“The activist was separated from his family due to allegations of problems with his passport. From there, he was taken to a police station where the police told him that they knew who he was, that he would not be welcome in Argentina, and that he would not continue his activity”, the entity reported. The order, according to reports from parliamentarians from the neighboring country, was given by “high levels of the Argentine government”.
The country’s president, the ultra-rightist Javier Milei, is known for his defense of the State of Israel, supported the war in Gaza e He is a declared fan of the President of the United States (USA), Donald Trump. No Argentine authorities have commented on what happened so far.
Also according to the report from Global Sumud Flotilla Brasil, the Palestine solidarity group in Argentina reported that Thiago refused to get on the plane to be immediately deported back to Uruguay, as the police wanted.
After negotiations, Ávila managed to be taken to Ezeiza Airport, the main one in the country, from where he will depart for Barcelona, this Wednesday (1st), on a trip that was already planned after passing through Buenos Aires.
Last year, Ávila and dozens of other activists, including around 11 Brazilians, were captured by Israeli military forces when they tried to reach the Gaza Strip, by sea, to deliver food e medicines. The case generated great international repercussion, and they were released after being detained in Israeli prisons, under allegations of torture.
*With information from Agência Brasil
