Swedish gaza activists may fly home from israeli prison
Nine Swedish gaza activists held for four days in Israel's Ketziot prison in the Negev desert are set to be released and flown home on Monday. Relatives have received details of harsh conditions, including limited food and water access and humiliating treatment. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard confirms the plans, but Israel denies all mistreatment claims.
The nine Swedish activists were arrested during a boat action against Israel's Gaza blockade and have been held in Ketziot prison since Thursday. Relatives received an email from the Foreign Ministry (UD) late Sunday evening with updates on conditions. Marita Rodriguez shares a substandard cell with 13 other women and only got a shower opportunity before the embassy's Sunday visit, according to the email to her husband Tomas Rodriguez Hedling.
"Marita is a strong person, one of the strongest I know. But much of this borders on torture and it's terrible," says Tomas. His wife reported that the prison TV continuously shows footage from the Hamas attack on October 7 and anti-Gaza propaganda.
Rebecca Karlsson, partner to Vincent Storm, says he described harsh treatment and humiliation. "He told about prison guards toasting with water bottles in front of inmates who get no water. It's really tough to hear," she says. Access to food and water is limited, and released activists from other countries have testified to similar abuses, which Israel calls "shameless lies."
The UD email indicates the Swedes will leave Israel by flight on Monday, though unconfirmed. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard confirms: "They plan for the Swedish citizens to leave Israel by flight tomorrow." The embassy met all nine on Sunday. Relatives like Marie-Louise Larsson, mother to Andrea Stadra, feel relief: "I feel a great relief right now."
Despite the news, relatives criticize Sweden's handling for lack of transparency. Released activists from other countries, including Greta Thunberg who will fly home on a Greek plane, highlight the harsh conditions.