ROME/JERUSALEM/PARIS, May 22 (Reuters) – Activists freed from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla aimed at delivering aid to Gaza reported experiencing abuse, according to organizers on Friday. Several we...
ROME/JERUSALEM/PARIS, May 22 (Reuters) – Activists freed from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla aimed at delivering aid to Gaza reported experiencing abuse, according to organizers on Friday. Several were hospitalized due to injuries, and at least 15 individuals claimed they were subjected to sexual assaults, including rape.
The Israeli prison service refuted these allegations, and Reuters has been unable to verify them independently.
Germany indicated that some of its citizens were injured, mentioning that some accusations were "serious" but did not provide further details. A legal source in Italy noted that prosecutors are investigating potential crimes such as kidnapping and sexual assault.
The Israeli prison service spokesperson stated, “The allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis.” They asserted that "All prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights and under the supervision of trained staff. Medical care is provided based on professional judgment and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines."
In response to inquiries, the Israeli military directed questions to the foreign ministry, which in turn referred them to the prison service.
Israeli forces detained 430 people aboard 50 ships in international waters on Tuesday to intercept a flotilla of volunteers attempting to deliver aid supplies to the Gaza Strip.
The reported abuse has intensified scrutiny on Israeli authorities to justify the treatment of detainees. This comes after video footage of an Israeli cabinet minister mocking some activists in prison led to international condemnation.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concern, stating, “We’re very worried about these reports,” when asked about the allegations during a regular briefing on Friday.
ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which organized the aid shipment, stated that they documented at least 15 instances of sexual abuse. The most severe incidents reportedly took place on an Israeli landing craft turned into a makeshift prison, equipped with barbed wire and shipping containers.
According to their statement, detainees were confined in containers and beaten on their heads and ribs. The group described instances of sexual abuse that included "humiliating strip searches, sexual taunting, groping, and multiple reports of rape." They highlighted that "at least 12 sexual assaults" occurred on that vessel alone, including anal rape and forced penetration with a handgun.
This statement followed the Israeli prison service's broad denial of any mistreatment or sexual abuse. Reuters forwarded the specific allegations to the prison service but did not receive a response after several hours on Friday, which was a holiday in Israel.
Mi Hoa Lee, a Spanish activist, recounted her experience in a video interview, saying, "Four men started beating me against the wall, and I fell down. Then they began tasering me for over a minute." She showed her injuries on her ribcage, hips, and back, indicating where the taser had been applied. "They kept beating me until I almost lost consciousness," she added.
Ilaria Mancosu, an Italian activist, told Reuters that flotilla participants were moved from their boats to two so-called prison ships. She mentioned that those placed on one of these ships experienced more violence than the others. They were confined in a container and beaten by five soldiers, resulting in fractured ribs and arms, along with serious injuries to their eyes and ears from tasers.
She reported that they spent two days aboard the prison ships without running water, using cardboard and plastic to stay warm due to a lack of blankets and clothing. Once on land, they were made to kneel for several hours and were kicked and shoved if they moved or spoke. She described being transferred from room to room in a prison to prevent them from sleeping.
ROME PROSECUTORS INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE CRIMES
Prosecutors in Rome are examining potential crimes such as kidnapping, torture, and sexual assault. They plan to hear testimonies from activists returning to Italy in the coming days, according to the Italian legal source.
A spokesperson from the German Foreign Ministry stated that consular officials who met German activists upon their arrival in Istanbul observed injuries and that some were undergoing medical evaluations. "We naturally expect a full explanation, as some of the allegations made are serious," the spokesperson said.
Sabrina Charik, who helped organize the return of 37 French citizens from the flotilla, informed Reuters that five French participants required hospitalization in Turkey, with some suffering broken ribs or fractured vertebrae. She mentioned that some made detailed allegations of sexual violence, including rape.
In an Instagram post confirmed by Reuters, Adrien Jouen, a French national, displayed bruises on his back and forearms.
On Thursday, Western governments expressed their outrage after Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video of him mocking activists while they were restrained on the ground in prison.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that he was in contact with his EU counterparts to seek a quick decision on imposing sanctions against Ben-Gvir.