Australian Gaza aid flotilla activists allege abuse after Israeli abduction

Australian activists detained by Israeli forces after a Gaza aid flotilla returned home to Australia. Juliet Lamont reported being dragged, sexually assaulted, and beaten during detention. Sam Woripa Watson reported a fractured rib and bruises and cuts, and said other activists were Tasered, hit with rubber bullets, and targeted with stun grenades. Organisers alleged abuse in detention, including at least 15 reporting incidents of sexual assault or rape among detainees. Eleven Australians were among 430 volunteers on 50 boats intercepted in international waters. Malaysian officials said legal proceedings against Israel would be launched after evidence is collected.

"Juliet Lamont, an Australian activist and documentary filmmaker, told the Reuters news agency on Monday that she was dragged, sexually assaulted and beaten when she was detained. That was just the beginning of four days of absolute hell. I've looked into the eyes of the most soulless people in the universe, and nothing came back. These people need to be stopped, Lamont said."

"Another Australian activist, Sam Woripa Watson, said he sustained a fractured rib along with bruises and cuts across his body. Watson also said he witnessed activists being Tasered and shot with rubber bullets and said stun grenades were thrown at them. Eleven Australians were among the 430 volunteers on 50 boats intercepted in international waters last week by Israeli forces aiming to stop the flotilla from delivering aid to the besieged Gaza Strip."

"Organisers of the aid flotilla said the activists, who were kidnapped from international waters, faced abuse while in Israeli detention, including at least 15 reporting incidents of sexual assault or rape. Meanwhile, a Malaysian regional official said his country was prepared to launch legal proceedings against Israel over the alleged mistreatment of Malaysian activists once lawyers finalise the collection of information and supporting evidence, local media reported on Monday."

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