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Two Australian activists, Tania “Tan” Safi and human rights activist Robert Martin, claim they were “brutalised psychologically” and treated “like criminals” by the Israeli military after their boat, the Handala, was intercepted while attempting to transport aid to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The activists, along with others on board, were strip-searched, shackled, and denied external communication.
On Friday morning, Safi and Martin arrived at Sydney airport after spending several days in Israeli custody. They described their treatment as a form of psychological manipulation, including being dehumanized and subjected to physical violence. The Handala crew had previously stated they would go on a hunger strike if intercepted.
Safi said they were dehydrated and exhausted due to their captivity. They also claimed that the IDF members who boarded the Handala were heavily armed and engaged in psychological tactics to coerce them into accepting aid.
Upon arriving in Ashdod, the activists’ bags were taken, and they were placed in an interrogation room. Safi added that US labor activist Chris Smalls was physically assaulted by the IDF, including being choked and kicked.
Both Safi and Martin were unable to receive medications they needed and were denied contact with their loved ones. They were eventually shackled and transported to Jordan, where they received assistance from the Australian embassy and were taken to the hospital.
