Italian prosecutors have registered Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as a suspect for torture and unlawful detention of humanitarian activists intercepted in international waters last month.
6:37 PM
Rome's prosecutor's office has registered Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as a suspect in connection with the treatment of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli authorities in May.
Prosecutors Stefano Opilio and Lucia Lotti, coordinated by chief prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, opened the investigation following formal complaints filed by activists upon their return. The suspected offenses include torture and unlawful detention of persons.
According to judicial sources, the investigation also encompasses Defense Minister Israel Katz, Navy Commander Eyal Harel, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Kobi Yaakobi, commissioner of the Prison Service.
The flotilla was intercepted in international waters and diverted to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where activists reported being subjected to violence and mistreatment. Among those aboard were Italian citizens, including a journalist and a deputy from the Five Star Movement.
Journalist Alessandro Orsini, who participated in the mission, described the conditions upon arrival at port. "They beat me, they beat Dario Carotenuto, and others were beaten much more than us," Orsini said. "I saw people with possible fractures of arms and ribs. Almost everyone who went through the entry container was beaten and we could hear screams from outside."
Evidence in the investigation includes a video originally posted by Ben-Gvir on his social media channels, filmed at Ashdod port. The footage shows the Israeli minister moving among Flotilla volunteers who were on their knees, handcuffed with hands behind their backs, and subjected to ridicule.
Carabinieri and Roman magistrates have already gathered multiple witness statements from mission participants. The investigation was initiated at the Piazzale Clodio courthouse following the activists' complaints.
Italy's action follows France, which has already opened a formal judicial inquiry against Ben-Gvir. France's National Counterterrorism Prosecutor (Pnat) launched a preliminary investigation on suspicion of torture and war crimes.
Ben-Gvir responded to the Italian investigation on social media, stating: "The country of the boot has become the country of slippers." He added that Israel is not "a punching bag for a bunch of liars supporting terrorism."
The case is expected to reach a significant juncture on June 15, when European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Luxembourg to discuss potential sanctions related to the incident.
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