Spain to File Complaint Against Israel at the ICC Over "Freedom Flotilla" Incident: Activists Recount Physical and Psychological Abuse

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced that Spain intends to take a proactive legal step by filing an official complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the events surrounding the interception and detention of the "Global Freedom Flotilla." The Spanish Minister stressed that any assault on individuals in international waters constitutes an unlawful deprivation of liberty, according to both domestic and international law.

Details of Abuse and Detention

Twenty-nine activists who participated in the Freedom Flotilla arrived in the Spanish capital, Madrid, yesterday, Sunday. The flotilla was attacked and detained by Israeli forces in international waters while en route to Gaza to break the blockade.

The French Press Agency (AFP) quoted some of the Spanish activists as confirming they were subjected to "physical and psychological mistreatment" during their detention in Israel. Rafael Borrego, one of the returning flotilla members, told reporters about their detention in Israel: "The physical and psychological abuses were repeated throughout these days. They beat us, dragged us on the ground, blindfolded us, and tied our hands and feet."

The newspaper Haaretz also reported, citing judicial documents, that a large number of flotilla activists confirmed before judges that they had been subjected to violence and verbal abuse by the police. The newspaper stated that the activists indicated that the Israeli police withheld water from them and they were denied their right to consult lawyers.

Spanish Efforts for the Release of Remaining Detainees

For his part, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that the remaining 28 Spanish activists still held in Israel are expected to be released and returned to Spain today, Monday, in a statement to Catalunya Ràdio.

In a statement to Spanish state television, Albares affirmed that the government would follow up daily to ensure the detainees receive necessary food, water, and healthcare. He emphasized that Madrid had informed the Israeli side that some of these citizens are members of the Spanish Parliament and enjoy high-level guarantees and immunities, which adds a political and constitutional dimension to the case.

Israeli authorities seized 42 ships belonging to the Global Freedom Flotilla last Wednesday evening while they were sailing in international waters towards Gaza. They arrested hundreds of international activists on board and transferred them to Ketziot Prison (south), before announcing the start of their deportation on Friday.