German journalist alleges rape in Israeli prison, rights group demands investigation

A German journalist who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla in October 2025 says she was sexually assaulted and physically abused by Israeli prison staff at Givon Prison in Ramla. She testified that female guards forced her to undress while male guards watched, and that a guard "inserted her fingers into the journalist's genitals and then her anus" after she refused to comply. The account includes reports of prolonged handcuffing, blindfolding, threats of rape, and laughter from male guards.

The Adalah Centre for Human Rights has called on Israel’s Attorney General, the prison service adviser and the commander of Givon Prison to open an immediate independent criminal investigation. The group says the case may reflect a systematic pattern of sexual violence against female detainees, citing similar allegations from other activists intercepted during the flotilla missions.