Return of Swiss humanitarian workers from the Global Sumud Flotilla:
between relief and indignation

Nine of the nineteen Swiss participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, who had been illegally detained in Israel since Wednesday, arrived in Geneva on Sunday at around 2:00 p.m. local time. Welcomed with joy and relief by their loved ones and many people who had come to support them, the humanitarian workers showed a mixture of fatigue and determination.

On behalf of the group, Sébastien Dubugnon spoke to give an initial account:

"We are shocked by what we have seen and experienced. But this is not about us: it is the continuation of genocide and the annihilation of a people who have lived on the shores of the Mediterranean since time immemorial."

The participants denounced the inhumane conditions of detention and the humiliating and degrading treatment they suffered during their arrest and incarceration: sleep deprivation, lack of access to water and food, lack of medical care, and verbal and psychological abuse. Several of them also testified that they were kept handcuffed for long hours without any justification. Some were slapped, beaten, and locked in a cage.

A more detailed statement will be released as soon as the rest of the illegally imprisoned individuals return, to document the abuses and treatment they suffered. The humanitarian workers praised the generosity of the Turkish people and their government, who ensured their repatriation. Turkey chartered a plane to bring them home, provided accommodation and meals in Istanbul, and opened its facilities to other nationalities, including the Swiss. The participants also received new clothes and shoes.

Conversely, they denounced the attitude of the Swiss government and the lack of assistance from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). During the visit of the consular teams, they clearly indicated that they were unable to act or take any action on behalf of the detained nationals.

In Istanbul, the Swiss Consul General limited himself to lending €40 to each person— an amount to be repaid, accompanied by an administrative fee of CHF 150. This gesture was perceived as petty, indecent, and irresponsible. It contrasts sharply with the concrete and supportive assistance offered by Turkey.

Those who have been repatriated express their anger and disappointment at this lack of solidarity, while reaffirming their commitment to the Palestinian people: “There will be neither forgetting nor forgiving.”

The Waves of Freedom association, which organised Switzerland's participation in the flotilla, echoes these sentiments and expresses its deep concern about the situation of the nationals still being held.

Ten Swiss nationals are still illegally detained by Israel

This morning, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) released the names of the ten Swiss nationals still in prison. According to official information, they are in relatively good health, although some have gone on hunger strike and appear weakened.

Lawyers from the Adalah legal centre, who are defending them, have confirmed that several Swiss nationals have appeared before an Israeli judge and that their deportation could take place shortly.

At this stage, Waves of Freedom and the returning participants urge the FDFA to:

• ensure that those still in detention, particularly those on hunger strike or in a vulnerable situation, have access to adequate medical care;
• ensure that minimum conditions of detention are met: access to water, food, medical care, and consular contact;
• and urge the Israeli government to release the Swiss nationals who are still in prison immediately.

In light of this unacceptable situation, Waves of Freedom also calls on the Federal Council and the international community to take immediate action. Its demands are clear:

1. Adopt immediate economic, cultural, and academic sanctions against the State of Israel;
2. Support South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948);
3. Demand the unconditional and immediate release of Swiss nationals and all participants who are being illegally detained.

📥 Download the press release (in English & French)

Spokespersons

Hicham El Ghaoui 076 732 92 42
Annie Serrati 078 690 10 82
Leïla Kamel 079 549 58 45

presse@waves-of-freedom.ch
@waves_of_freedom_switzerland
@globalmouvementtogaza.swiss

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