Swedish ombudsman wants to report Israel for mistreatment of activists
Sweden's Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) is considering reporting Israel after Swedish activists, including Greta Thunberg, were detained during a Gaza flotilla. Thunberg has complained about dehydration and lice in detention. The incident draws international attention to aid efforts for Gaza.
On June 10, 2024, Israeli forces intercepted a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea. Aboard were activists from several countries, including Sweden. Greta Thunberg, the renowned climate activist, was one of the passengers. The vessel, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aimed to break the Gaza blockade and deliver food and medicine.
According to reports from Expressen and Dagens Nyheter, Thunberg has complained about harsh conditions during detention. She described herself as dehydrated and infested with lice in the Israeli prison in Ashdod. 'We are dehydrated and have lice here', she is quoted as saying in messages to supporters. The detention occurred shortly after the ship was boarded, with activists taken ashore for questioning.
Sweden's Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) is reacting strongly. In an Aftonbladet article, the DO director states that the treatment may constitute discrimination and is considering reporting Israel to the UN Human Rights Council. 'We must act against such abuses', says the DO's director general. The background is the ongoing Gaza conflict, where Israel maintains a blockade since 2007 to prevent arms smuggling, according to Israeli authorities.
The activists claim the blockade worsens the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands lack access to basic necessities. No major contradictions appear in the reports, but Israeli spokespersons deny mistreatment and call the action a provocation. Thunberg and the others are expected to be deported soon, but the case highlights tensions around aid and security in the region.