Anna Liedtke, a 25-year-old German activist, has filed a criminal complaint in Israel alleging that female prison guards raped her during her detention after participating in a Gaza flotilla. The complaint, submitted to Israeli authorities including the attorney general and the Israel Prison Service, accuses the guards of forcing her onto her knees, covering her mouth, and assaulting her while male guards allegedly watched and laughed.
Liedtke was part of a flotilla sailing from Europe to Gaza with humanitarian aid when Israeli forces intercepted her boat in international waters on 8 October. She was detained for five days. The alleged attack occurred during an illegal strip-search, with the curtain partially drawn. Liedtke described the abuse as an attempt to intimidate activists, stating, 'It’s clear they want to break our will and silence us.'
This is the first public account of rape by a flotilla participant, with more than a dozen others reporting sexual assault anonymously. 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 ... Now Israel is prepared to expand this conduct to foreign citizens,' Haddad said.
The UN added Israel to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict in May, citing abuse by security forces including rape of male detainees. Britain raised concerns at the UN Security Council this month, while Australian police and French prosecutors are investigating similar allegations from flotilla participants. Liedtke said speaking out was a political responsibility, adding, 'This is not just my personal experience, it is more systematic.'
