Anna Liedtke, a 25-year-old German activist, has filed a criminal complaint in Israel alleging she was raped by female prison guards during her detention in October.
The complaint, submitted by her lawyer Muna Haddad, demands an investigation into the assault and challenges what they call a "culture of impunity" for prisoner abuse in Israel.
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Liedtke was part of a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza when Israeli forces intercepted her boat in international waters on 8 October.
She was detained for five days and subjected to multiple strip-searches, which she says were illegal under Israeli law.
The Alleged Assault
According to the complaint, the rape occurred on 10 October at Givon prison.
Liedtke says female guards forced her to kneel, covered her mouth to stop her screaming, and penetrated her with their fingers.
She reported hearing male guards laughing nearby, and believes the attack may have been filmed due to the prevalence of security cameras in the facility.
Liedtke described previous strip-searches at Ketziot prison where she was forced to undress in areas partially visible to male soldiers.
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She refused consent each time, but guards proceeded anyway.
Systemic Abuse Allegations
Liedtke says the abuse is part of a systematic pattern in Israeli detention facilities, and that Palestinian prisoners face even worse treatment.
Her lawyer noted that sexual violence against detainees is a recurring issue, now extending to foreign activists.
After her deportation to Jordan on 12 October, Liedtke told a fellow journalist about the assault.
She went public in December at a conference on political prisoners, becoming the first flotilla activist to speak openly about rape in Israeli custody.
Liedtke said speaking out brought relief despite online criticism. She emphasized that her ordeal was worth it to bring hope to Palestinians and support future flotillas.
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The Israeli military denied the allegations, referring questions to the Israel Prison Service, which called the claims "entirely unsubstantiated" and rejected any systematic abuse.
