France Refers Gaza Flotilla Abuse Claims to Prosecutors

France has referred allegations about the treatment of its citizens on an activist flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip to public prosecutors. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made the announcement after receiving a report from the French consul general in Turkey.

According to the minister, the allegations include sexual violence, physical assault, exposure to cold and repeated humiliation of the activists.

The flotilla was detained last week while trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Organizers later said several activists had suffered injuries requiring hospitalization and that at least 15 people had reported sexual assaults, including rape. All detainees have since been released.

Lawyers for the French activists said they would file a separate complaint alleging violence, torture, humiliation and sexual assault. They also declined an invitation from the foreign ministry to attend a meeting. In a statement, they criticized the French government and accused it of supporting Israel during the Gaza war.

Israel’s prison service has denied the allegations, saying they were “false and entirely without factual basis”. It said all detainees had been held in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights, and had received medical care where required.

(reuters, max)