'Dragged by hair...': Activists claim Greta Thunberg mistreated in detention
What's the story
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was allegedly mistreated during her detention by Israeli authorities. The allegations were made by fellow activists Hazwani Helmi and Windfield Beaver, who said they witnessed Thunberg being shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag. Around 137 activists were detained while trying to deliver aid to Gaza. They arrived in Turkey on Saturday after being deported from Israel.
Allegations detailed
Thunberg was used as propaganda: Activists
Turkish activist Ersin Celik alleged that Thunberg was "dragged by her hair" and "beaten" by the forces. He claimed she was forced to kiss the Israeli flag as a warning to others. Helmi and Beaver also alleged that detainees were treated poorly, with no clean food or water provided. They claimed Thunberg was "used as propaganda" during her detention.
Official response
All detainees had access to food, water: Israeli foreign ministry
Israel's foreign ministry has denied the allegations of mistreatment, calling them "complete lies." They said all detainees were given access to water, food, and restrooms. The ministry also said legal rights were fully upheld. Turkish foreign ministry sources confirmed the activists included citizens from several countries, including the US, UAE, Algeria, and Italy, among others.
Health concerns
Swedish foreign ministry claims Thunberg was forced to hold flags
The Swedish foreign ministry informed that Thunberg was detained in a cell with bedbugs and insufficient food and water. An official who visited her said she had dehydration and rashes suspected to be from bedbugs. The ministry also mentioned another detainee saw Thunberg being forced to hold flags for photographs. Despite these allegations, Israel maintains that all legal rights of detainees were upheld during their detention process.
Blockade criticism
Incident has drawn international attention and criticism
The flotilla was an attempt to challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials have slammed the mission as a publicity stunt and warned against breaching what they call a "lawful naval blockade." The incident has drawn international attention and criticism over how activists were treated during their detention in Israel.