Rome prosecutors investigate alleged torture of Global Sumud Flotilla activists

Prosecutors in Rome have opened an investigation into the alleged torture of activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla following complaints filed by 36 Italian participants in the mission to deliver aid to Gaza.

Investigators are examining claims that activists were subjected to abuse after Israeli authorities intercepted the boats during the October mission, according to a report Tuesday by the ANSA news agency

The probe had already been looking into allegations of kidnapping, robbery and criminal damage with danger of causing a shipwreck, it said.

The investigation is proceeding against unknown persons. Prosecutors have recently spoken to individuals involved in the flotilla and are preparing to send a letter rogatory, or formal request for judicial assistance from a court in one country to a court in another country, to Israel as part of their inquiries.

One of the complaints, submitted by activist Antonio La Piccirella, said that “a complete violation of human rights was perpetrated” at Ashdod, the port where those on board were taken after the interception.

The complaint states that armed Israeli soldiers confiscated all personal belongings from the activists and carried out searches involving “gratuitous physical violence.” It adds that “this is why some activists had their arms broken.”