Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Condemns Kidnapping and Detention of Uyghur Activists by Israeli Forces During Global Sumud Flotilla Raid

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C – May 20, 2026

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign strongly condemns the kidnapping and detention of two Uyghur activists, Validin Asaf and Ibrahim Ishak, by Israeli forces in international waters on May 18 while they were participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to Gaza. The two Uyghur activists were part of a non-violent civilian effort seeking to challenge the illegal blockade imposed on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians suffering under siege and ongoing genocide.

Prior to the interception of the flotilla, both activists recorded videos anticipating the possibility of being detained or abducted by Israeli forces.  In his pre-recorded message, Validin Asaf stated: “If you are watching this video, we have either been detained or kidnapped by the occupier Israel or its allies on international waters. You can send the video to the relevant authorities and call for me and my fellow activists to return home safely.”

In his recorded statement, Ibrahim Ishak said: “If you are watching this video, the murderous and occupying Israeli forces have kidnapped me in international waters. I am part of this non-violent civilian mission, whose purpose is to break the illegal blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.”

Save Uyghur Campaign Team Lead Arslan Hidayat said: “Uyghurs understand deeply what it means to face oppression, arbitrary detention and state violence. Validin Asaf and Ibrahim Ishak risked their safety to stand against the siege of Gaza and defend basic human dignity. Instead of being protected under international law, they were abducted in international waters for participating in a peaceful humanitarian mission.”

We call on the international community, including the United Nations, human rights organizations and the government of Türkiye, to urgently intervene to secure the immediate release of Validin Asaf and Ibrahim Ishak and all detained flotilla participants. We further call for all detainees to be treated humanely, granted access to legal counsel and medical care, and protected from abuse or mistreatment while in custody.

Contact Information: Arslan Hidayat, Save Uyghur Team Lead, Email: arslan@justiceforall.org. 

Website: https://www.justiceforall.org/save-uighur/