Doctor: I was punched, kicked and choked on prison ships

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian doctor recounted being tortured at the hands of Israeli Defence Force (IDF) personnel in two interceptions at sea.

Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin told the New Straits Times she was “shoved, struck, punched, kicked and choked”.

She also said she was forcibly stripped of her hijab during both ordeals. She described the experience as deeply tormenting and emotionally painful.

“It was not just physical suffering, it was psychological.”

Dr Jihan, of Tawau Hospital, was among the activists detained during operations involving two vessels — Eros 1 between April 29 and May 1 and Ozgurluk between May 18 and 21.

She claimed activists aboard both ships were subjected to physical intimidation, degrading treatment and harsh living conditions.

Recalling the first interception aboard Eros 1, Dr Jihan said their phones were thrown into the sea before about 180 activists were packed into a prison ship for three days with limited access to food and water.

“At that time, we already thought the situation was unbearable. We were exhausted, frightened and uncertain what would happen to us.”

Fortunately, the Malaysian government made arrangements with Turkiye to secure the release of 10 Malaysians, she said.

After they were released at the Greece coast, she said, they struck a deal with another humanitarian group and boarded a second vessel to continue the mission.

She described conditions at the second prison ship as “three or four times far worse”.

About 400 activists from various countries were allegedly held in a container converted into a detention cell.

“There was barely enough space to sit, let alone sleep. If any of us slept, they would use aggression to wake us up.

“It was suffocating and we were only allowed a single piece of attire.

“Many were weak, dehydrated, hungry and traumatised.”

Dr Jihan alleged that several detainees, including women, were physically assaulted.

She said food and water were rationed during the detention.

“People were trying to comfort one another and kept together till our release. There were moments when I feared I would not make it home alive.

“But we kept reminding each other to stay strong. I kept telling myself that this torture was nothing compared to what the Palestinians were experiencing.”

Dr Jihan said it was clear the IDF personnel feared them.

“Otherwise, why would they attack unarmed people like us who are only here to do humanitarian work?”

Dr Jihan was among the 28 Malaysians who returned home on Sunday.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times