Chris Smalls, American labor union leader, reportedly tortured by Israeli security forces

Chris Smalls at the KNE-Odigitis Festival in Athens, Greece, 2024

Chris Smalls, an American trade unionist and leader of the Amazon Labor Union, has been subjected to torture by Israeli security forces, reports say. Smalls was aboard of Gaza-bound Handala aid ship which was seized by Israeli forces near the Gaza coast on Saturday night, with 21 unarmed civilians on board, including lawmakers, medics, and volunteers. 

“When he reached the Israeli prison, U.S. human rights defender Chris Smalls was physically assaulted by seven uniformed individuals,” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said on X.

“They choked him and kicked him in the legs, leaving visible signs of violence on his neck and back,” the statement said. The FFC highlighted that “when his lawyer met with him, Chris was surrounded by six members of Israel’s special police unit. This level of force was not used against other abducted activists.” 

Smalls, 37, became particularly known in 2022 following the successful foundation of a labor union at a Staten Island Amazon factor, which counts more than 8,000 members. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU) became the first unionized Amazon workers recognized by the National Labor Relations Board.  

In a statement issued on Monday, the All-Workers Militant Front (PAME), the communist-backed trade union powerhouse from Greece, condemned the seizure of the ship Handala, calling, among others, for "the immediate release of the ship and all members of its crew and mission."

IN DEFENSE OF COMMUNISM ©