France is launching an investigation into Israel’s treatment of activists on the Gaza flotilla
This was reported by the Associated Press, citing French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
French diplomats have reported possible abuses
According to Barrot, French diplomats in Turkey have prepared a report on the treatment of French citizens following their detention by the Israeli authorities. The minister stated that the document contains information regarding possible sexual assault, beatings, exposure to low temperatures and degrading treatment.
“I have decided to refer this matter to the public prosecutor. It is now in the hands of the justice system,” Barrot said on France Inter.
The French public prosecutor’s office must determine whether the actions described in the report constitute criminal offences.
Paris steps up pressure following the flotilla incident
Earlier, France imposed an indefinite ban on entry into its territory on Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir. Paris explained this by his actions towards the flotilla participants whilst they were in custody following their attempt to reach the Gaza Strip. The decision to refer the matter to the public prosecutor’s office was the latest step by the French authorities in response to the incident, which caused a diplomatic row between France and Israel.
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