ISTANBUL

The Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation Tuesday into alleged drone strikes, unlawful arrests and mistreatment suffered by activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to lawyers representing members of the humanitarian mission.

Prosecutors Lucia Lotti and Stefano Opilio are leading the probe, which is currently directed against unknown persons, the ANSA news agency reported.

The alleged crimes include attempted murder, shipwreck, acts of piracy and maritime endangerment, kidnapping, mistreatment and torture, said the legal team.

Lawyers described the opening of the case as “a first step towards establishing responsibility for Israel’s attacks and abuses against the Sumud's humanitarian and peaceful mission, whose purpose was to break the illegitimate blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza and aimed at starving the civilian population.”

Flotilla participants may be summoned in the coming days to testify before prosecutors, led by Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, to recount their experiences at sea and during detention in Israeli prisons.

The most recent complaint was filed by Italian activist Antonio La Piccirella, who accused Israel of a “complete violation of human rights.”

According to his 17-page filing, armed Israeli soldiers “identified the activists, stripped them of all personal belongings, and used gratuitous physical violence” after transferring them to the port of Ashdod.

“They handcuffed the activists behind their backs with very tight plastic zip ties and forced them to lie face down,” said the complaint.

The investigation follows complaints filed by activists and parliamentarians who were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Under Article 8 of Italy’s Criminal Code, the inquiry will require a formal request to the Justice Ministry, as it concerns alleged political crimes committed abroad.​​​​​​​