Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, detained by Israeli authorities , has spoken out about her harsh treatment in the Ketziot maximum-security prison. This was reported by the British newspaper The Guardian, citing a letter from an official who visited the detained activist.
“The embassy was able to meet with Greta. She reported dehydration. She wasn’t receiving enough water or food. She also stated that she had developed a rash, which she suspects was caused by bedbugs,” the letter reads.
One of the prisoners reportedly witnessed Thunberg being forced to hold some flags while being photographed. The diplomat also noted in the letter that Thunberg was asked to sign a document, but she refused, citing that it had not been translated.
According to media reports, lawyers from the NGO Adalah claim that the crew members’ rights were “systematically violated”: the activists were denied water, medication, and access to their legal representatives, which constitutes “a clear violation of their fundamental rights to due process, a fair trial, and legal representation.”
An Italian legal team representing the flotilla stated that the detainees were left “without food or water until late at night,” with the exception of “a bag of chips that was given to Greta and shown on camera.” The lawyers also reported insults and physical violence.
Between October 2 and 3, Israeli forces intercepted all vessels of the “Fortitude Flotilla,” which was planning to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza , and arrested all crew members on board. Most are being held in the maximum-security Ketziot Prison, also known as Ansar III.