Greta Thunberg reportedly faced harsh treatment while in Israeli custody following her detention from a flotilla bound for Gaza. Although her current whereabouts are uncertain, an email from Sweden’s foreign ministry detailed allegations of poor conditions and mistreatment during her arrest. According to the email, a Swedish embassy official who visited Thunberg in prison revealed that she endured inadequate food and water, was kept in a cell infested with bed bugs, and was forced to sit on hard surfaces for extended periods.
The email stated that Thunberg expressed suffering from dehydration and disclosed receiving insufficient food and water. She also mentioned developing rashes that she suspected were caused by bedbugs. Additionally, another detainee informed an embassy official that they witnessed Thunberg being compelled to hold flags while photos were taken, raising concerns about the potential distribution of these images.
Multiple members of the flotilla, including Turkish activist Ersin Çelik and journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino, supported the claims of mistreatment towards Thunberg by Israeli forces. The activists were part of the Global Sumud flotilla, which aimed to challenge Israel’s blockage of Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted all vessels, detaining the crew members, most of whom were taken to a high-security prison in the Negev desert.
The detainees, including Thunberg, faced alleged violations of their rights, such as denial of water, sanitation, medication, and legal access. The flotilla’s legal team highlighted instances of verbal and physical abuse, with some detainees reportedly left without food or water for extended periods. Israeli officials were recorded labeling the activists as “terrorists,” sparking further concerns about their treatment.
Despite the denial of mistreatment by the Israeli embassy, concerns persist over the detainees’ well-being and legal rights. The flotilla’s legal team emphasized the importance of addressing individual medical needs and providing immediate access to food, water, and legal counsel for all detainees. The situation continues to unfold as efforts are made to ensure the detainees’ rights are upheld and that they receive appropriate treatment in accordance with international standards.