A ST Andrews academic who was detained as part of the aid flotilla which tried to reach Gaza is now safe in Turkey, the university has said.
Dr Antonis Vradis was one of two Scots detained among others from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The university had earlier expressed concern for Vradis’ wellbeing and urged Israel to release him.
There was an international outcry over Israel’s treatment of the detainees, after the country’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released footage of himself taunting the detained group.
On Thursday evening, the Israeli government said hundreds of activists from the flotilla had been released and deported.
St Andrews University’s principal, Sally Mapstone, updated students and staff after Vradis was able to contact his family.
She said: “As some of you aware, Dr Antonis Vradis, reader in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, was one of a number of people taken into custody by Israeli military forces this week while part of a flotilla attempting to take humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“We have heard this afternoon that Dr Vradis and other flotilla members are now safely in Turkey, where they are being offered medical attention and examination, before returning to their home countries.
“Antonis has been able to call his sister from Istanbul to say he is safe and well.”
Mapstone continued: “I would like to thank our MP, Wendy Chamberlain, who ensured the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office reacted with appropriate speed to Dr Vradis’s situation, and the team of people which has worked assiduously behind the scenes at the University over the past 72 hours to pressure the Israeli authorities to ensure Dr Vradis’s wellbeing and ensure his prompt release from custody.”
Vradis had informed St Andrews he was taking part in the flotilla and would likely be detained.
A previous flotilla which tried to reach Gaza in 2025 was also intercepted by Israeli authorities, who said it was attempting to breach a naval blockade of the strip.
The activists reported being "treated aggressively" by Israeli forces and being forced to stay in "horrific" conditions while detained.
On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled” by the footage released by Ben-Gvir, which showed some activists with their hands tied behind their backs and kneeling with their heads touching the floor.
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