New Zealand activist describes torture, humiliation by Israeli forces during flotilla interception
New Zealand activist Mousa Taher, part of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla attacked by Israeli forces, said he was subjected to torture and humiliating treatment. "The Israeli occupation forces really tortured me this time," he said, showing injuries on his face and leg.
New Zealand activist Mousa Taher, who was part of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla attacked and intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, said he was subjected to humiliating treatment and torture after being detained. Activists from the flotilla spoke to Anadolu after arriving at Istanbul Airport aboard three Turkish Airlines flights.
Second detention
Taher said that after previously being detained by Israeli forces in Greece, he traveled first to Istanbul and then to Marmaris before once again setting sail toward Gaza. "The Israeli occupation forces really tortured me this time," he said. Pointing to injuries on his face and leg, Taher said Israeli soldiers recognized him and addressed him by name because it was his second attempt to join the flotilla.
Humiliation and abuse
He said Israeli soldiers forced him and another activist to strip on board, bound him so tightly with plastic zip ties that he cried and pleaded with them to stop, but they tightened the restraints further while stepping on his hand. "Then he put his boot on my face and took a picture like he had captured an animal," he said. Taher said he was later transferred to a prison-like ship, where he lost consciousness after being severely beaten.
Advertisement
Message to the world
Taher called on people to "put themselves in the place of those living under occupation in Gaza." He stressed that not all Jews and Israelis are bad, condemning attacks targeting Jewish communities. "This is the same thing the Israelis do by saying all Palestinians or all Muslims are bad," he said.
Mauritanian activist's account
Mauritanian activist Isselmou Ould Maloum said many activists suffered broken ribs but stressed that the violence they experienced was minor compared to the abuse Palestinians face in Israeli prisons. "Every time they use violence and it doesn't solve a problem, they use more violence. That tells us how weak they are," Maloum said.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.