Prosecutors in Gdańsk have opened a formal investigation into the detention of Polish citizens aboard a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, classifying the incident as potential maritime piracy and illegal imprisonment.
Investigation Into Maritime Piracy and Detention
According to the Gdańsk District Prosecutor’s Office, the detention of activists on a humanitarian aid flotilla destined for the Gaza Strip could be categorized as maritime piracy. The investigation is also examining charges of illegal deprivation of liberty involving particular cruelty, a crime carrying a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. The probe was officially initiated several days ago.
Prosecutors are planning evidentiary actions to establish the precise course of events occurring between October 1 and October 7, 2025. This includes identifying all affected Polish citizens and vessels sailing under the Polish flag. Authorities intend to submit formal requests to several foreign nations that may possess evidence relevant to the case, as confirmed by prosecutor Mariusz Duszyński.
Testimonies of Polish Detainees
Nearly 480 activists from 47 countries were detained in October of last year. Among the Polish citizens arrested by the Israeli military were MP Franciszek Sterczewski, Omar Faris of the Association of Palestinians in Poland, activist Nina Ptak, and British-Polish journalist Ewa Jasiewicz.
Following their release, activists reported that they were illegally detained in international waters. Franciszek Sterczewski described five days of detention characterized by sleep deprivation, exposure to high-intensity lighting, psychological harassment via propaganda soundtracks, threats with weapons, and the use of attack dogs.
Ewa Jasiewicz reported a pervasive environment of dehumanization, verbal abuse, and physical mistreatment. She stated that detainees were subjected to shouting, kicking, and the denial of food and water, suggesting that the behavior of the military demonstrated a sense of total impunity.
Conditions in Custody and Ministerial Conduct
During a subsequent humanitarian mission in April of this year, activists were again detained by Israeli forces. Reports following their release included allegations of serious physical injuries and at least 15 instances of sexual assault.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared social media footage of himself mocking detained activists while waving an Israeli flag and declaring that Israel maintains control. The conduct of the minister drew international criticism, and Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced that Ben-Gvir has been issued a five-year ban on entering Poland.
