France asks prosecutor to probe treatment of activists from intercepted Gaza flotilla

France has asked for the public prosecutor to investigate the treatment of French nationals who were part of a recent activist flotilla heading for Gaza, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot says.

“Based on a report I requested from our Consul General in Turkey, who informed me of sexual violence, exposure to the cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation of French nationals, all of these acts are likely to constitute criminal offenses (and) I decided yesterday to refer the matter to the public prosecutor,” Barrot tells France Inter radio.

Israel detained 430 people aboard the flotilla’s 50 ships last week.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir posted a video of himself taunting the activists, immediately sparking an international outcry as well as condemnation from within Israel, including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the government.

Organizers have said several returning activists were hospitalized with injuries and at least 15 reported sexual assault, including rape. Israel denies the accusations and has accused the activists of faking their injuries, sharing photos that ostensibly contradict the accounts.

Spanish police were also filmed beating returning activists with batons and dragging them across the floor before detaining them.

It is not immediately clear whether the French minister’s comments referred to that incident or only the treatment of activists by Israeli authorities.