Malaysian Activists Freed After Detention Near Crete, Set to Return via Turkey

KUALA LUMPUR: Ten Malaysian humanitarian activists detained in international waters near Crete have been released by Greek authorities and are now preparing to return home via Turkey.

The group, part of the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC), was among 175 activists linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) who were taken into custody during the incident on Thursday. They were later transported by bus to Heraklion Airport after their release at the port of Lerapetra.

SNCC director-general Datuk Dr. Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby confirmed that all ten Malaysians are safe and have accepted an offer from the Turkish government to facilitate their journey home.

According to him, Turkey had arranged a special 160-seat aircraft initially designated to repatriate 20 of its own citizens but extended available seats to other GSF activists, including the Malaysians.

“The flight is scheduled to depart from Heraklion at 10.15pm and arrive at Istanbul International Airport at 11.45pm, Malaysian time,” he said during a press conference on Friday night.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian initiative involving activists from multiple countries aimed at delivering aid and raising awareness on international issues. The circumstances surrounding the detention have not been fully disclosed, but all detainees have now been released without further legal action reported.

Malaysian authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely and assist in the activists’ safe return home.