Anna Liedtke, a 25-year-old German activist, has filed a criminal complaint in Israel alleging she was raped by female prison guards during an illegal strip-search while detained after participating in a Gaza-bound flotilla. The attack, which she says male guards watched and may have filmed, occurred on 10 October 2023 at Givon prison.
Details of the Assault
According to Liedtke's account, guards forced her to kneel, covered her mouth to prevent screaming, and penetrated her vaginally and anally with fingers. The assault took place in an area only partially concealed by a curtain, leaving her visible to male soldiers who laughed. Liedtke had earlier been strip-searched twice without consent at Ketziot prison, where she was also deprived of sleep and clean water.
Systematic Abuse Allegations
Liedtke's lawyer, Muna Haddad of Adalah, said the complaint challenges a 'culture of impunity' for prisoner abuse in Israel. 'Sexual violence and rape are recurring violations against Palestinian prisoners for nearly three years,' Haddad stated, noting an escalation toward foreign activists. Liedtke said the abuse aimed to intimidate and silence activists, but she refused to be shamed: 'There is no reason for me to be ashamed.'
Broader Context
The UN added Israel to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict in May 2024, citing abuse of detainees. Britain raised concerns at the UN Security Council, and Australian police and French prosecutors are investigating similar allegations from flotilla participants. The Israeli military rejected abuse claims, and the Israel Prison Service denied the allegations as 'categorically unsubstantiated.'
Liedtke's Activism
Liedtke, a journalist, joined the flotilla from southern Italy on 30 September 2023. After her release and deportation to Jordan on 12 October, she spoke publicly about the rape at a December conference, becoming the first flotilla activist to do so. She now views speaking out as political duty: 'This is not just my personal experience, it is systematic.'
