Paris, May 29 (SANA) France has asked prosecutors to investigate Israeli mistreatment of French nationals who took part in a recent aid flotilla bound for Gaza, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday.
Speaking to France Inter radio, Barrot said he had referred the case to prosecutors after receiving a report from France’s consul general in Türkiye detailing violations by French citizens who participated in the mission.
“Based on a report I requested from our consul general in Türkiye, who informed me that French citizens had been subjected to sexual violence, extreme cold, beatings and repeated humiliation, all acts that likely constitute criminal offenses, I decided yesterday to refer the matter to the public prosecutor,” Barrot said.
The flotilla’s organizers said boats and participants were detained last week during an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. They said that activists on board were subjected to mistreatment, with several requiring hospital treatment for injuries. According to the organizers, at least 15 activists reported sexual assaults, including rape. The activists were later released.
Lawyers representing the French participants said they would file a separate complaint over humiliation, rape and torture.
The lawyers also rejected an invitation from Barrot’s ministry to discuss the case, saying in a statement that the French government’s support for Israel since the start of the “genocide” could not be overlooked.
IZ/A
