Greta Thunberg has recounted the alleged mistreatment she endured while in Israeli custody, including threats and physical abuse. Here’s what the climate activist shared about her experience.
Greta Thunberg, the 22-year-old Swedish climate activist, has publicly shared her experience of what she claims was mistreatment by Israeli authorities following her detention. The incident occurred after she attempted to join a ‘Freedom Flotilla’ boat aimed at bringing aid to Gaza, prior to the ceasefire being agreed.
Thunberg reported that she was detained by Israeli forces and taken into custody for a second time after boarding the humanitarian boat. According to Thunberg, her time in captivity was marked by physical abuse, harsh conditions, and mistreatment.
The activist described the cell where she was held as “bedbug-infested,” and claimed that her luggage was confiscated. Upon finally receiving her belongings, she discovered her bag had been vandalized with offensive graffiti, including the Star of David and the derogatory words “Wh**e Greta” alongside a crude drawing.
Speaking to the Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Thunberg opened up about the shocking abuse she allegedly suffered. She recounted the moment of her capture, explaining how Israeli police officers grabbed her, threw her to the ground, and covered her with an Israeli flag. She said:
“When I’m about to get off the boat, there are a bunch of police officers waiting for me. They grab me, pull me to the ground, and throw an Israeli flag over me.”
Thunberg further described the brutal treatment she endured while in custody, detailing how she was dragged through a line of detainees who were forced to kneel with their foreheads pressed to the ground. She was then moved to a corner of a room, where she said officers continued to taunt and kick her.
“They hit and kicked me,” Thunberg recalled. “Then they ripped off my frog hat, threw it on the ground, stomped on it, and kind of threw a tantrum.”
The activist said that during her detention, the guards repeatedly called her derogatory names such as “little whe” and “whe Greta,” and took selfies with her while she was being restrained. Thunberg emphasized the lack of empathy from the guards, describing how they continued to taunt her even as she remained in pain and shock.
“The guards have no empathy or humanity, and they keep taking selfies with me. There’s a lot I don’t remember. So much is happening at once. You’re in shock, you’re in pain, but you try to stay calm,” she explained.
Thunberg was reportedly tied up with cable ties and subjected to further humiliation, as officers placed an Israeli flag close to her, allowing it to brush against her at times. When the flag touched her, she claims she was kicked in the side and told to “don’t touch the flag.”
As tensions increased, far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly entered the room and labeled Thunberg and the other detainees as “terrorists” who wanted to “kill Jewish babies.” Thunberg stated that anyone who complained about their treatment was taken aside and beaten.
After enduring this ordeal, Thunberg was released by Israeli authorities on October 6. The climate activist had been attempting to travel to the Gaza Strip to offer aid and show solidarity with those affected by the ongoing conflict.
This disturbing account has drawn significant attention and sparked discussions on the treatment of activists and human rights violations. Thunberg’s experience highlights the harsh realities that some face when challenging powerful systems.
