Rohingya Photographers Condemn the Kidnapping and Detention of Shahidul Alam

A group of prominent Rohingya photographers has issued a statement condemning the kidnapping and detention of Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and human rights advocate Shahidul Alam, who was intercepted at sea by Israeli forces while en route to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

Shahidul was travelling aboard The Conscience - one of nine humanitarian vessels carrying over 140 journalists, doctors, and activists - when the flotilla was seized in international waters, 120 nautical miles from Gaza. The flotilla was delivering medical and nutritional aid worth over $110,000 to the besieged enclave.
In a prerecorded video posted before his detention, Shahidul said:

“If you are seeing this video, we have been intercepted at sea, and I’ve been kidnapped by the occupation forces of Israel, the country conducting genocide in Gaza with the active collaboration and assistance of the USA and other Western powers.”

The Rohingya photographers, many of whom have documented war, displacement, and persecution, called Shahidul’s arrest “an attack on the conscience of humanity and on the right to bear witness.”

The group - whose members have published their work in leading international outlets and exhibitions - said:

“Shahidul Alam has long been a friend to the oppressed — including the Rohingya. His camera and his words have amplified our pain when few others dared to. His courage is our courage.”

“We stand in full solidarity with him and all who risk their lives to bring aid to the people of Gaza and document the truth. We demand his immediate and unconditional release.”

The photographers urged international media, rights organisations, and artist collectives worldwide to join in condemning Israel’s illegal interception of humanitarian vessels and to demand protection for journalists and civilians under international law.

The photographers in the photo  are: Haider Ali, Nur Hossain, Mainul Islam, Md. Jamal, Abul Kalam,  Mohammed Salim Khan,  Shofika., Mohammed Zonaid. 

by Shafiur Rahman