French prosecutors to probe Israeli treatment of flotilla activists

France’s foreign minister ordered state prosecutors to investigate allegations that Israeli forces inflicted sexual violence, beatings, and humiliation on activists arrested during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The probe follows information from France’s consul general in Türkiye describing sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation of French nationals. The foreign minister said the alleged acts are likely to constitute criminal offences if proven. Israel has faced criticism from several allies over the treatment of more than 400 people arrested in international waters off Cyprus. Israel denied any abuse. The flotilla departed from Marmaris with more than 50 boats carrying nationals from about 40 countries, and Israel intercepted the vessels on May 19, holding detainees in harsh conditions before deporting them.

"Based on a report I requested from our Consul General in Turkiye, who informed me of sexual violence, exposure to the cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation of French nationals, all of these acts are likely to constitute criminal offences [and] I decided yesterday to refer the matter to the public prosecutor, Barrot told public radio station France Inter."

"France's public prosecutor is to investigate Israel's treatment of French nationals arrested during a military raid on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday that he had instructed state prosecutors to launch a probe into accusations that Israeli forces had inflicted sexual violence, beatings, and humiliation on activists arrested during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier this month."

"Israel has faced heavy criticism from several allies over its treatment of more than 400 people arrested in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, although support for Israel and its continuing attacks on Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Iran and Lebanon broadly remains intact. Israeli authorities have denied there was any abuse of the flotilla activists."

"More than 50 boats carrying nationals from about 40 countries set sail from the Turkish port city of Marmaris two weeks ago in an attempt to break Israel's siege of Gaza, a siege the United Nations and human rights organisations say is illegal, describing it as a form of collective punishment. Israel intercepted the vessels on May 19, arresting those on board and holding them in harsh conditions before eventually deporting all of the foreign activists."

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