Seven Australian activists who joined a flotilla that tried to land in Gaza have been released from Israel and deported to Jordan after making claims of violent physical abuse during their detention in a high-security prison.

The Australians arrived safely in Jordan after five days of uncertainty about their safety during their captivity, with their lawyers saying they were subjected to threats of violence and sleep deprivation from Israeli authorities.

The Israeli foreign ministry called the flotilla a “publicity stunt” and said the activists were given their legal rights after being intercepted last week trying to reach the Gaza shoreline.

According to Amnesty International , the seven Australian citizens who were held at the Ketziot prison in the Negev desert were Abubakir Rafiq, J

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