Italy launches investigation into Israeli crimes

After mass protests in Rome over the seizure of the Freedom Flotilla by Israeli forces on October 3, 2025, the Roman prosecutor formally opened an investigation into the abuse of activists by Israeli forces during the incident.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the legal team representing participants in the flotilla stated that prosecutors in Rome have begun proceedings based on complaints filed by 36 Italian activists. These activists reported being subjected to drone attacks, illegal detention, abuse, and violations of human rights during the interception.

On Monday, one of the activists, Toni La Picirella, filed an individual complaint, stating that he was tortured while in Israeli custody. He described the seizure of the flotilla’s ships as a blatant violation of human rights.

Meanwhile, reports have also emerged of protests in Washington, where demonstrators condemned the U.S. government’s silence over Israel’s actions.

According to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, the complaints against Israel include charges of “attempted murder,” “causing a maritime incident,” “endangering navigation safety,” “piracy,” “illegal detention,” “abuse,” and “torture.”

Italian media have described the opening of this investigation as “the first step toward identifying those responsible for the attacks and violations committed by Israel against the humanitarian and peaceful mission of the international Freedom Flotilla.”