Celebrity Climate activist Greta Thunberg claims she’s been subjected to heinous conditions inside a bedbug-infested Israeli holding cell following her detention as part of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
Sweden’s Foreign Ministry notified Thunberg’s parents via email, which was shared with The Guardian, that they had met with the outspoken 22-year-old in Israel.
In the email, officials said Thunberg has complained of dehydration, claiming she hasn’t been given enough food or water.
“She also stated that she had developed rashes, which she suspects were caused by bedbugs,” the email said. “She spoke of harsh treatment and said she had been sitting for long periods on hard surfaces.”
Thunberg also told Swedish dignitaries she’d been forced to pose for pictures holding flags, and wanted to know if they had been shared with the media.
It was unclear, however, which flags she was forced to pose with.
Thunberg’s boat was one of more than 40 intercepted by Israeli authorities on Thursday.
Several people were detained for taking part in the coordinated Global Sumud Flotilla.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the effort to end Israel’s blockade on Gaza a “de-legitimization campaign against Israel.”
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, dubbed the flotilla a Hamas terrorist operation.
Thunberg was part of a pro-Palestinian flotilla in August that was also intercepted before reaching Gaza’s shores.
As a result, protests broke out worldwide.
Colombia deported Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation and terminated its free trade agreement with the nation. Istanbul officials are said to be investigating the August detentions.
Turkish activist ErsinÇelik, who also took part in the flotilla, claimed to state-run Anadolu News “they dragged little Greta [Thunberg] by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others.”
Journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino said Thunberg was “wrapped in the Israeli flag” after being captured, “and paraded like a trophy.”
All told, nine Swedes were taken into custody for participating in the flotilla.
“The Swedish embassy in Tel Aviv remains in contact with Israeli authorities to stress the importance of swift processing and the possibility of returning home to Sweden,” reads the email sent to Thunberg’s parents.
“Based on discussions with detained individuals, the importance of addressing individual medical needs was also emphasized.”
“Moreover, the embassy stressed that food and clean water must be provided immediately, and that all detainees must be given access to Israeli legal counsel, if desired.”
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