EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains graphic descriptions of accusations of sexual violence, physical torture and abuse.
Activists on board a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces on their way to Gaza say they were subjected to beatings, torture and sexual violence while in detention.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying 428 passengers along with food, medicine, and humanitarian supplies for civilians in Gaza, was intercepted over the course of several days after departing Turkey, with the final interception on Tuesday.
The group was detained before being deported to Turkey and their alleged treatment has already triggered international backlash.
The Israel-based human rights organization Adalah, which represents the flotilla activists, told CNN that its lawyers documented testimonies from participants who said they were attacked with tasers and rubber bullets and had been subjected to beatings that left them with suspected broken bones. A statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla added that activists had been subjected to sexual violence, including “multiple accounts of rape,” including “forcible penetration by a handgun.”
