A leading Palestinian human rights organization has demanded an immediate criminal investigation into the reported sexual assault, physical abuse, and degrading treatment of a German journalist by Israeli prison forces,

Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel – submitted formal complaints to Israeli legal authorities, prison officials, and oversight bodies, urging a prompt, independent, and transparent probe into the serious violations. The organization stressed that such allegations of sexual violence, torture, and humiliation must not go unpunished.

According to the organization, the incident occurred in connection with an international solidarity mission organized as part of efforts to challenge the blockade imposed on Gaza. The initiative reportedly involved activists from various countries who sought to reach the besieged territory by sea.

The rights group stated that the journalist reported being kept handcuffed for extended periods, blindfolded, threatened and subjected to verbal and physical abuse after being transferred from a port facility to Ketziot Prison in the Negev desert.

The journalist further alleged that after being moved to Givon Prison in Ramle, he was exposed to humiliating treatment, sexual assault and other serious violations while in custody.

Adalah described the allegations as extremely serious and said they require a comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation in accordance with both domestic and international legal standards. The organization stressed that claims involving sexual violence, torture and mistreatment of detainees must be thoroughly examined and that those responsible should be held accountable.

The rights group also noted that a team of lawyers and international legal experts has reportedly submitted information to the International Criminal Court regarding alleged violations against activists who attempted to reach Gaza, seeking a broader investigation into the incidents.

The case has renewed concerns among human rights advocates over the treatment of detainees and activists linked to efforts aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza, with calls growing for impartial investigations and accountability for alleged abuses. (ILKHA)