Australian Police Open Inquiry Into Flotilla Activists' Abuse Allegations

The Australian Federal Police have begun inquiries into allegations by four pro-Palestine activists that they were sexually abused and otherwise mistreated while detained by Israeli authorities last month. The activists delivered a dossier containing claims of rape, kidnapping, and torture during a meeting in Canberra on Monday afternoon.

Senior police officers and Department of Foreign Affairs officials attended.

One activist told reporters after the meeting that police had committed to an independent investigation. The same activist described the session as harrowing and said a government minister stated she believed the allegations. A federal police spokeswoman said the agency is using a victim-centric, trauma-informed approach and will provide an update at an appropriate time.

The spokeswoman confirmed inquiries had started into the claims made by a representative of the group.

The Israeli embassy has rejected the claims, stating that no credible evidence has been submitted and describing the allegations as unsubstantiated. The embassy said any determination of guilt requires a formal complaint, a full investigation, and credible evidence.

Activists expressed disappointment that other demands, including expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and an end to Australian military component exports, were not accepted.