France has asked prosecutor to investigate treatment of its nationals on Global Sumud Flotilla

Lead

France has referred the treatment of French nationals on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to its public prosecutor, following allegations of sexual violence, beatings, and humiliation, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Speaking on France Inter radio on Friday, Barrot said he had requested a report from the Consul General in Turkey, which detailed abuses "likely to constitute criminal offences." He said he decided to refer the matter to the prosecutor the previous day.

Simultaneously, Italy has launched a separate investigation into Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the treatment of Italian activists detained during the flotilla's interception, as reported by Italian news agency ANSA and Reuters. The moves make France and Italy the first European countries to open formal probes into Israel's handling of the activists.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from multiple outlets, including Al Jazeera, France 24, and The Jerusalem Post, broadly agree on the core facts: over 430 activists from about 40 countries were detained by Israeli authorities in international waters off Cyprus on May 18, after the flotilla attempted to break the blockade on Gaza. The activists allege physical abuse, humiliation, and sexual violence during detention. A video released by Ben-Gvir, showing activists kneeling with hands bound, drew widespread international condemnation.

However, there are slight differences in focus. Al Jazeera's coverage emphasizes the Italian investigation and Ben-Gvir's controversial comments, including his response that Italy had become "the land of the flip-flop." France 24 and RFI highlight the French probe and the specific allegations of sexual violence, noting that at least 15 activists reported sexual assaults, including rape. The Jerusalem Post also covers both investigations, with a focus on the video's role in prompting the French investigation and Ben-Gvir's denial of the allegations.

Key Claims

• French Investigation: According to France 24, RFI, and the Jerusalem Post, France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has opened a preliminary investigation into suspected "torture" and "war crimes" following a referral from the foreign ministry. Foreign Minister Barrot said the referral was based on a consular report detailing "sexual violence, exposure to the cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation" of French nationals.

• Italian Investigation: As reported by Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post, Italian prosecutors in Rome have placed Ben-Gvir under investigation in connection with a video he posted following the flotilla's interception. The probe reportedly examines potential offenses including kidnapping, torture, and violations of maritime navigation laws, according to ANSA.

• Ben-Gvir's Video: The video, released on May 20, shows activists on their knees, hands bound, with Ben-Gvir declaring "Welcome to Israel, we are the masters of this house." The footage sparked international backlash and was cited by French officials as a key factor in their decision to act, as noted in the Jerusalem Post.

• Activists' Allegations: Multiple sources report that activists allege beatings, humiliation, and sexual violence. France 24 and RFI state that at least 15 activists reported sexual assaults, including rape. A French returnee described being groped and slapped in a dark container, according to Al Jazeera.

• EU Sanctions Consideration: Al Jazeera reports that the European Union is considering sanctions on Ben-Gvir, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani saying Rome would continue to push for such measures. However, no consensus has been reached among EU officials.

• Israel's Response: Israeli officials deny the allegations, with the Israeli Prison Service denying abuse claims. Ben-Gvir has said he will not shy away from investigations and accused activists of fabricating slander, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

• French Government: Foreign Minister Barrot's decision to refer the matter to prosecutors reflects a formal response to the activists' allegations, while also banning Ben-Gvir from entering France and summoning the Israeli ambassador.

• Italian Government: Foreign Minister Tajani condemned Ben-Gvir's comments as "unacceptable" and "unworthy of a minister," and voiced support for EU sanctions.

• Activists' Lawyers: Lawyers for the French flotilla activists declined an invitation to meet with Barrot's cabinet, releasing a statement criticizing the French government's support of Israel, which they called "the buzz from the minister's declarations" in light of what they termed "the genocide."

• Israeli Officials: Israeli authorities maintain that the accusations are false and part of a propaganda campaign against the state, a position reiterated by Ben-Gvir and the Israeli Prison Service. No independent verification of the allegations or the Israeli denial has been made public.