Algerian activist: Torture by Israel cannot compare to Palestinians' suffering

Algerian activist Muhammed Harkati, who was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla unlawfully detained by Israel in international waters, said the torture they endured could not be compared to the suffering faced by Palestinians. Activists from the flotilla arrived in Istanbul aboard three flights departing from Israel. Harkati, who set sail from Marmaris on May 14, spoke to Anadolu about the events following Israel's raid.

Humanitarian mission

He stressed that the mission was entirely humanitarian and aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza. "It was a humanitarian, peaceful mission. However, while we were in international waters, we were attacked and abducted. Afterwards, we were held in prison," Harkati said. He said activists were first taken to Ashdod Port, then to prison where they were beaten and tortured. "The beatings and torture we endured cannot be compared to what our Palestinian brothers are suffering," he said.

Different conditions

Harkati pointed out that activists had support from their countries and embassies, unlike Palestinians in Gaza. "Palestinians do not have such an opportunity. We were able to eat and drink, but they cannot. So we cannot say they are living like us. There is a huge difference between us and them," he added.

Interrogation abuse

Speaking about treatment during interrogations, Harkati said they were tightly restrained and assaulted by soldiers while being transferred between rooms. "During the interrogations, they tied us tightly. The soldier who took us from one room to another also beat us," he said. Israeli forces placed both plastic and steel handcuffs on the activists.

Guard dog attack

Mauritanian activist Muhammed Baba said Israeli forces unleashed a guard dog on him. "They unleashed a guard dog on me. It was hitting my chest and face with its muzzle. This attack happened just before we were taken to prison," Baba said.

Flotilla seizure

On May 18, the Israeli military intercepted 50 boats carrying 428 activists from 44 countries, including 78 Turkish participants, and unlawfully detained them.