Nine Indonesians sue Israel over Gaza flotilla detention, abuse

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) — Nine Indonesian activists detained by Israeli forces after trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza have filed a criminal complaint with Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office, alleging kidnapping and abuse during their four-day detention, the Jakarta Globe reported.

The activists, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, submitted the complaint with former Attorney General Marzuki Darusman and lawyers from Themis Indonesia, naming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli government, and members of the military. They submitted photographs of injuries, medical reports, and individual accounts as evidence.

“We came today to report what we experienced after being kidnapped and imprisoned by Israel for four days,” volunteer Herman Budianto told reporters.

Lawyer Shaleh Al Ghifari said some volunteers were subjected to electric shocks, had their heads stepped on, or were beaten and harassed, and that nine separate complaints were filed.

Marzuki argued Indonesia’s new Criminal Code allows prosecution of serious rights violations committed abroad against Indonesian citizens, citing Article 6 and the principle of universal jurisdiction. He acknowledged any case would also need diplomatic backing from the Foreign Ministry.

The nine were among hundreds of international activists aboard the flotilla when Israeli forces intercepted the vessels near Cyprus in May. They were detained for several days, then released and deported to Türkiye.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry condemned their treatment at the time as inhumane and a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

Jakarta, which has no diplomatic relations with Israel, worked through third countries including Türkiye to secure their release. Volunteers from other countries are pursuing similar action in their own jurisdictions.