AFP investigates allegations Australians were sexually assaulted by Israeli authorities
Updated . First published at
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is investigating allegations Israeli authorities sexually abused Australian members of an intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla.
Eleven Australians on the Global Sumud flotilla last month alleged they were subjected to sexual, physical and mental abuse after being detained by the Israeli Defence Force following their interception on May 18.
From left to right, Juliet Lamont, Neve O’Connor, Gemma O’Toole and Luca Lamont. Jane Salmon
The group had been calling for a meeting with the federal government after returning to Australia.
They met with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly and senior members of the AFP late yesterday afternoon.
Following the meeting, the AFP confirmed it has begun an investigation into allegations made by the group.
“The AFP engages with a victim-centric, trauma-informed approach,” an AFP spokesperson said.
“The AFP will provide an update at an appropriate time.”
Israel’s embassy in Australia said it “categorically rejects” the allegations, describing them as “false”.
“Regarding their claims of physical and sexual assault, to date, no credible evidence has been presented, and no formal complaints have been submitted to the embassy,” it said on social media.
The social media post described the activists making the allegations as “professional provocateurs”.
“Israel will continue to address any allegations through the appropriate legal and investigative channels, not through trial by media,” it said.
The activists were detained by Israel after the flotilla was intercepted. Supplied
Wong said she believed the Australians who alleged abuse by Israeli authorities after pushing back on criticisms that she had not done enough to defend the group earlier this month.
“I think if you look at my career, my view is that you should believe, and I believe women who come forward with these assertions,” she told a Senate hearing.
“Those allegations are terrible, they are horrific, and that treatment is unacceptable.”
Wong had previously condemned the actions of Israeli authorities and Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is sanctioned by Australia and posted a video taunting restrained activists.
She met with the group to hear their experiences and asked the AFP to be present and advise on its investigative options.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong. Sydney Morning Herald
“Minister Wong has raised these allegations multiple times and made clear directly to Israel that Australia expects an independent, transparent investigation,” a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Minister said.
“Australia’s Ambassador in Israel continues to seek updates on any investigation by Israeli authorities.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about how effective the investigation would be without cooperation from Israel and said it was a matter for AFP.
“I allow the AFP to conduct, its affairs independent of government. That’s very important,” he told reporters today.
The Australians on board the flotilla and part of the meeting – Juliet Lamont, Neve O’Connor, Gemma O’Toole and Luca Lamont – welcomed the investigation but said it was the first step in achieving justice for victim-survivors and consequences for Israeli authorities.
“No Australian should want our country closely aligned with a state being investigated for torture, sexual violence and abuse. This should concern every Australian,” O’Toole said.
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