Australian activists describe brutal treatment after Israeli detention
Two pro-Palestine activists recount their experiences of being detained by the Israeli military while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
LONDON: Two Australian pro-Palestine activists have come forward with accounts of psychological and physical mistreatment after being detained by the Israeli military while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The activists, Tania Safi and Robert Martin, were among a group of 20 individuals aboard the boat named Handala when it was intercepted by Israeli forces as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's mission.Upon their arrest, Safi and Martin claim they were subjected to dehumanizing treatment, including being shackled and forced through invasive strip searches.
They described their detention conditions as harsh, with prolonged periods of dehydration and sleep deprivation intended to break their will.
Israeli soldiers reportedly attempted to coerce the activists into accepting food and water while being filmed, an action Safi deemed a form of psychological manipulation.The detainees were subsequently taken to the city of Ashdod, where their belongings were confiscated and they were placed in interrogation rooms.
One activist, US citizen Chris Smalls, reported being physically assaulted by Israeli soldiers during his detainment.
The activists describe witnessing brutal treatment firsthand within Israeli prisons, with Safi recounting episodes of physical force and sleep disruption.Safi and Martin's diplomatic efforts eventually led to their removal from Israel via Jordan, where they received medical evaluations deeming them unfit for flight due to the dire state of their health following the ordeal.
They emphasized that no criminal activities had been committed; rather, they were subjected to wrongful detention and psychological abuse.The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has been at the forefront of attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza while raising awareness of the conditions faced by Palestinians in the region.
Their latest vessel, the Madleen, was intercepted in international waters on June 9th, resulting in the arrest of twelve activists, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
The activists, Tania Safi and Robert Martin, were among a group of 20 individuals aboard the boat named Handala when it was intercepted by Israeli forces as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's mission.Upon their arrest, Safi and Martin claim they were subjected to dehumanizing treatment, including being shackled and forced through invasive strip searches.
They described their detention conditions as harsh, with prolonged periods of dehydration and sleep deprivation intended to break their will.
Israeli soldiers reportedly attempted to coerce the activists into accepting food and water while being filmed, an action Safi deemed a form of psychological manipulation.The detainees were subsequently taken to the city of Ashdod, where their belongings were confiscated and they were placed in interrogation rooms.
One activist, US citizen Chris Smalls, reported being physically assaulted by Israeli soldiers during his detainment.
The activists describe witnessing brutal treatment firsthand within Israeli prisons, with Safi recounting episodes of physical force and sleep disruption.Safi and Martin's diplomatic efforts eventually led to their removal from Israel via Jordan, where they received medical evaluations deeming them unfit for flight due to the dire state of their health following the ordeal.
They emphasized that no criminal activities had been committed; rather, they were subjected to wrongful detention and psychological abuse.The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has been at the forefront of attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza while raising awareness of the conditions faced by Palestinians in the region.
Their latest vessel, the Madleen, was intercepted in international waters on June 9th, resulting in the arrest of twelve activists, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
