Gaza flotilla activist files rape complaint over Israeli detention

CNN

A German activist who took part in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza has filed a criminal complaint in Israel alleging she was raped by female prison guards while being held in detention after her boat was intercepted by Israeli forces.

Anna Liedtke, 25, claims she was sexually assaulted during repeated strip-searches after Israeli forces seized the aid vessel in international waters last October. Israeli authorities have categorically denied the allegations.

Criminal complaint lodged

Liedtke's lawyers have submitted a formal complaint to Israel's Attorney General, the Israel Prison Service and other authorities, calling for a full criminal investigation into the alleged assault.

According to the complaint, Liedtke was subjected to multiple forced strip-searches while detained in Israeli prisons after activists aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla were arrested on 8 October.

She alleges the third search escalated into rape by female guards while male officers laughed nearby and may have witnessed or recorded the incident.

Liedtke says she refused to consent to the searches and believes the abuse was intended to intimidate activists supporting the Palestinian cause.

'They wanted to silence us'

Speaking publicly about the case, Liedtke said she believes the treatment of flotilla activists was designed to discourage future humanitarian missions.

"It's clear they want to break our will and silence us," she said.

She added that speaking publicly was intended to ensure similar allegations could not simply disappear.

"There is no reason for me to be ashamed. Whenever we are silent, they will do it to another person."

Lawyers allege wider pattern

Her legal team argues the case reflects broader concerns over the treatment of Palestinian detainees and foreign activists held in Israeli custody.

Lawyer Muna Haddad said the complaint seeks accountability and will test how Israeli authorities respond to allegations of sexual violence by prison staff.

Rights organisations have previously accused Israel of mistreatment of detainees, while UN officials have raised concerns about allegations of abuse in detention facilities.

Several countries, including Australia and France, have also opened investigations into separate allegations of mistreatment made by activists detained after Gaza flotilla operations.

Israel rejects allegations

The Israeli military rejected accusations that its personnel abused activists during the interception of the flotilla.

The Israel Prison Service also issued a firm denial.

An IPS spokesperson said the allegations were "categorically denied" and described them as "entirely unsubstantiated," adding that it rejected claims of rape, sexual assault or systematic abuse by prison staff.

Flotilla intercepted at sea

Liedtke had joined around 100 activists aboard a humanitarian flotilla that departed southern Italy carrying aid intended for Gaza.

Israeli forces intercepted the vessel in international waters before escorting it to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The activists were detained for several days before being deported via Jordan.

Liedtke says she has continued speaking publicly despite the trauma she says she experienced, believing silence would only discourage others from documenting alleged abuses during the conflict.

Allegations remain under investigation

The allegations contained in Liedtke's complaint have not been tested in court, and no charges have been brought against any Israeli officials in connection with the claims.

The case is expected to add further international scrutiny to Israel's treatment of detainees as the conflict in Gaza continues.

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