Deported flotilla activists allege 'sadistic' sexual abuse and torture in Israeli captivity

NEWS SUMMARY

Deported activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla allege they were subjected to sexual abuse, torture, and humiliation by Israeli forces after being detained in international waters. Approximately 430 activists, including journalists and citizens from various countries, reported being beaten, stripped, and sexually assaulted while in Israeli custody before their deportation to Istanbul on Thursday.

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Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 05/22/2026 - 09:43 Activists report being stripped, 'water-tortured' and dragged along the ground with bound hands and feet Italian flotilla activists gesture upon arrival at Fiumicino Airport in Italy after being deported from Israel on Thursday (Remo Casilli/Reuters) Off Flotilla activists who were abducted and jailed by Israeli authorities while in international waters have reported being subjected to sexual abuse and torture while in Israeli captivity. Some 430

Deported flotilla activists allege 'sadistic' sexual abuse and torture in Israeli captivity

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