Flotilla volunteers recount abuse while in Israeli custody
Published: Oct 6, 2025 6:30 AM
Updated: 9:30 AM
Some of the 23 Malaysian volunteers detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza claimed they were slapped, had their hair pulled, and were served “animal food” while in Israeli custody.
One of their lawyers, Fahmi Abd Moin, said they conveyed their experience during a “casual conversation” with the group in Istanbul, Turkiye.
“They said they were treated badly. Their hair was pulled, they were slapped in the face, and given food which, by their description, was meant for animals.
“They also drank tap water from the prison toilet,” Fahmi was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
Apart from Fahmi, the other human rights lawyers representing the 23 Malaysians were Dir Kheizwan Kamaruddin, Azril Amin, Ahmad Nazrin Abu Bakar and Luqman Mazlan.
UNHRC report possible
Fahmi said the legal team would collect detailed statements from the volunteers once they return home and may submit a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
“Were they tortured, and what kind of treatment did they receive from the Zionist regime? If any actions were taken against them by the regime, we will consider submitting a full report to the UNHRC.
“This is to ensure that the Zionist regime does not escape accountability for its treatment of our volunteers,” he added.
One of the activists, Nurul Hidayah Amin, better known as Ardell Aryana, reportedly appeared with a headscarf made from a t-shirt, as her original head covering was forcefully removed while in custody.
Updated: 9:30 AM
Some of the 23 Malaysian volunteers detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza claimed they were slapped, had their hair pulled, and were served “animal food” while in Israeli custody.
One of their lawyers, Fahmi Abd Moin, said they conveyed their experience during a “casual conversation” with the group in Istanbul, Turkiye.
“They said they were treated badly. Their hair was pulled, they were slapped in the face, and given food which, by their description, was meant for animals.
“They also drank tap water from the prison toilet,” Fahmi was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
Apart from Fahmi, the other human rights lawyers representing the 23 Malaysians were Dir Kheizwan Kamaruddin, Azril Amin, Ahmad Nazrin Abu Bakar and Luqman Mazlan.
UNHRC report possible
Fahmi said the legal team would collect detailed statements from the volunteers once they return home and may submit a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
“Were they tortured, and what kind of treatment did they receive from the Zionist regime? If any actions were taken against them by the regime, we will consider submitting a full report to the UNHRC.
“This is to ensure that the Zionist regime does not escape accountability for its treatment of our volunteers,” he added.
One of the activists, Nurul Hidayah Amin, better known as Ardell Aryana, reportedly appeared with a headscarf made from a t-shirt, as her original head covering was forcefully removed while in custody.
Actor and influencer Ardell Aryana
The volunteers were detained by Israeli forces last Thursday and taken to Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert before being released two days ago.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday confirmed that the group was on their way home.
They departed from Ramon Airport in southern Israel at 6.45pm (Malaysian time) and transited in Istanbul, where they are expected to stay overnight before returning to Malaysia today.
The Malaysians who were detained are singer Heliza Helmi and her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah, who were aboard the vessel Hio; Nurfarahin Romli (better known as Farah Lee) and Danish Nazran Murad (Grande Blu); singer Zizi Kirana (Huga); Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis Suhaimi, and Sul Aidil (Alma); Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiruddin, and Rusydi Ramli (Sirius).
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday confirmed that the group was on their way home.
They departed from Ramon Airport in southern Israel at 6.45pm (Malaysian time) and transited in Istanbul, where they are expected to stay overnight before returning to Malaysia today.
The Malaysians who were detained are singer Heliza Helmi and her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah, who were aboard the vessel Hio; Nurfarahin Romli (better known as Farah Lee) and Danish Nazran Murad (Grande Blu); singer Zizi Kirana (Huga); Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis Suhaimi, and Sul Aidil (Alma); Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiruddin, and Rusydi Ramli (Sirius).
In addition, Razali Awang was on board the Inana; Ardell (Mikeno); PU Rahmat, Norhelmi Ab Ghani, Asmawi Mukhtar, and Norazman Ishak (Estrella); Zainal Rashid and ustaz Muhammad Abdullah (Fair Lady); as well as Hareez Adzrami (popularly known as Haroqs), Haikal Luqman Zulkefli, and Taufiq Razif (Free Willy).
GSF involved more than 500 activists from 45 countries sailing toward Gaza as a show of solidarity and an effort to break Israel’s blockade, while also delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
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