Greta Thunberg Alleges Severe Conditions in Israel's Detention

Youth advocate the Swedish activist has told representatives from Sweden that she is facing unacceptable conditions while in custody by the Israeli government, per communications reviewed.

The documents also state that another detainee alleged personnel took photographs of the activist while she was said to be forced to carry symbols, the meaning of which remains unknown.

Holding Conditions Outlined

Via correspondence sent by the Sweden's diplomatic corps to associates of the activist, an diplomat who saw her in detention claimed she mentioned being held in a room overrun by insects, with insufficient food and water.

“The embassy met with Greta,” says the message. “She reported thirst. She has had access to too little of both water and food. She also stated that she had experienced redness which she believes were due to insects. She spoke of difficult conditions and said she had been sitting for hours on firm ground.”

“Another detainee allegedly informed another embassy that they had seen her [the activist] being made to carry symbols while photos were snapped. She questioned whether photos of her had been circulated,” the representative noted.

Background of the Aid Mission

Thunberg is among a large group including lawmakers, lawyers, and campaigners who are involved in the humanitarian coalition, a group of more than 40 vessels carrying relief supplies with the purpose of breaching Israel’s extended maritime blockade of the region.

Over a two-day period, authorities stopped every vessel and detained those on board. The majority of them are being kept at a facility, also known as Ansar III, a secure facility in the Negev desert used primarily to hold Palestinian security prisoners, many of whom authorities accuses of involvement in security-related offenses.

Legal Problems and Earlier Incidents

Previously, activists held by Israel were not charged and instead their involvement was considered an border violation.

Based on attorneys from the advocacy group, the protections of the activists have been “consistently breached”, claiming that detainees were denied hydration, hygiene facilities, medical care, and quick entry to their attorneys, “in violation of their core protections to legal procedure, unbiased proceedings and attorney access”.

The Italian legal team representing the mission stated those arrested were left “for hours without food or water – until late last night”, with the exception of “a snack provided to Greta and presented to the media.” Legal experts also mentioned instances of harassment.

Official Remarks and Reactions

On a trip to Ashdod on the evening, Israel’s far-right political figure, the minister, was seen calling the individuals “terrorists” as he appeared in front of them.

“These are the terrorists of the mission,” he said, speaking in Hebrew and gesturing toward dozens of people on the floor. An aide stated the recording was shot at Ashdod port on the evening.

Some activists were reportedly chanting: “End the occupation.”

The minister has earlier advocated for the participants to be incarcerated rather than expelled.

Previous Detentions and Handling

Subsequent to being taken into custody, the lawyers for the group voiced worry over the treatment the activists might face, specifically those who had earlier been arrested by Israeli authorities after attempts to breach the sea restrictions. This represents the second instance the activist has been arrested with other flotilla members, after a similar attempt in the past ended with the taking into custody and deportation.

A medical professional, who was participating in the mission of the coalition in recently, told reporters upon his arrival home that he observed personnel ridicule and purposefully withhold passengers of rest, in particular the activist.

Legal Procedures and Forms

The diplomat said in the email that Thunberg was instructed by Israeli authorities to approve a paper.

“She was unsure about what the paper signified and did not want to approve any paperwork she did not understand,” states the email. The Swedish ministry’s official noted that the activist has had access to an attorney.

The rights group had stated about the judicial procedure that although Israeli authorities would have a history of those with prior involvement in humanitarian missions, activists, such as Thunberg, were typically dealt with in the identical manner as newcomers, facing temporary holding and expulsion.

Requests for comment were made to the Israeli Prison Service, the military, and the government office, but no one has yet responded.