France demands probe into treatment of citizens aboard Gaza flotilla

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on May 29 that Paris had requested prosecutors to investigate the treatment of French nationals aboard the recent flotilla heading to Gaza, France 24 reports.

The move follows allegations that activists were subjected to abuse while in custody, including humiliation, rape, and torture.

"Based on ‌a report I requested from ⁠our Consul General in Turkey, 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 France ​Inter radio.

Organisers of the flotilla, which was detained last week while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, said activists were subjected to mistreatment during detention. Several people were hospitalised with injuries, while at least 15 individuals sexualized violence, including rape. The activists have since been released.

Lawyers representing the French activists said they would file a separate complaint over the abuse suffered by their clients, including humiliation, rape, and torture.

The lawyers also rejected an invitation from Barrot’s office to discuss the issue, saying in a statement that “the buzz from the minister's declarations will not ⁠make us forget that the French government has supported the state ⁠of Israel ​since the beginning of the genocide.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada