Greta Thunberg reportedly faced harsh treatment during her time in Israeli custody following her involvement in a flotilla delivering aid to Gaza. There are concerns about her current status as an email from Sweden’s foreign ministry highlighted allegations of poor conditions and mistreatment after her arrest. Thunberg shared experiences of inadequate food, water, and sitting for long periods on hard surfaces in a cell infested with bed bugs.
The email from the Swedish ministry revealed that Thunberg expressed dehydration and discomfort due to insufficient food and water intake. She also mentioned developing rashes possibly caused by bed bugs and described the harsh treatment she endured. Another detainee claimed to have witnessed Thunberg being forced to hold flags for photographs, raising concerns about the distribution of these images.
Witnesses and participants from the flotilla supported the claims, with one activist recounting the mistreatment Thunberg faced, including being dragged by her hair, beaten, and coerced to kiss the Israeli flag. The interception of all boats by Israeli forces resulted in the detention of the crew members, who were taken to a high-security prison in the Negev desert.
Legal representatives and activists raised concerns over the treatment of detainees, emphasizing the violation of their rights and lack of access to essential resources. Israeli officials denied the allegations, stating that detainees were provided with necessary provisions and legal support. However, Thunberg’s experience, alongside other detained individuals, raised questions about the treatment of activists participating in such missions.
The situation escalated as Israeli officials labeled the activists as terrorists, sparking further controversy and condemnation. Despite the denial of mistreatment by Israeli authorities, concerns persist regarding the handling of detainees involved in the flotilla. Efforts are being made to ensure the well-being and rights of the detained individuals, including access to legal counsel and appropriate medical care.