Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla trying to take aid to Gaza have alleged abuse, with several hospitalised and at least 15 reporting sexual assaults, including rape. The Israeli prison service denied the claims, and Reuters could not independently verify them.
Germany said some of its nationals had been injured and that some accusations were “serious”, without giving further details. A legal source in Italy said prosecutors there were investigating possible crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
An Israeli prison service spokesperson said in a statement: “The allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis. All prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights and under the supervision of professional and trained prison staff.”
Italian economist Luca Poggi, among those detained, told Reuters: “We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked. Many of us were Tasered, some were sexually assaulted, and some were denied access to a lawyer.” Prosecutors in Rome are investigating possible crimes of kidnapping, torture and sexual assault.
Western governments expressed anger after Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video of himself mocking activists in prison. Italy said EU members were discussing imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir.
