France is referring reports of abuse involving French nationals on a Gaza-bound activist flotilla to its public prosecutor. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says the request follows a report from France’s Consul General in Turkey. Barrot says the report describes alleged sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation of French nationals. He says these alleged acts are likely to constitute criminal offences if proven and that he therefore asked prosecutors to investigate.
Multiple outlets report that the flotilla, described as the Global Sumud Flotilla, was seized by Israeli troops last week. Several summaries describe the alleged treatment in detention, including allegations of rape and torture, alongside humiliation and mistreatment.
The reports presented are allegations and are not confirmed by the sources. The investigation would be carried out by French prosecutors under France’s criminal justice process. The coverage does not provide a result or timeline for any judicial action.
