French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has requested an investigation into the treatment of French nationals involved in a recent activist flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza. According to a report from the Consul General in Turkey, these individuals faced sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation, all potentially constituting criminal offenses.
Organizers of the detained flotilla reported that activists were subjected to abuse, with several hospitalized due to injuries and at least 15 alleging sexual assaults including rape. The activists have since been released. Their lawyers plan to file a separate complaint regarding the violence they claim their clients endured, which includes humiliation, rape, and acts of torture.
The French government’s support for Israel has been called into question following these allegations, with activists stating that this will not be forgotten despite Minister Barrot’s declarations.