Sweden Responds to Assault Allegations Amid Flotilla Detention Concerns and Local Activist Attack
Sweden's Foreign Ministry calls on Israel for clarification on flotilla detainee mistreatment, while police investigate an assault on a young Swedish activist in Stockholm.
- • The Swedish Foreign Ministry sent a formal demand to Israel regarding alleged mistreatment of Swedish flotilla participants, including Greta Thunberg.
- • Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard was reported to the Constitutional Committee for allegedly misleading about abuse reports.
- • 17-year-old activist Lulle reported being punched and pepper-sprayed during a memorial event in Stockholm; police are investigating.
- • International media reported the alleged flotilla mistreatment before Sweden's official response, raising transparency concerns.
Key details
Sweden's Foreign Ministry has formally addressed allegations of mistreatment of Swedish citizens detained in Israel during a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. Following reports by Aftonbladet, the ministry sent a formal "markering" to Israeli authorities demanding clarification on accusations involving physical abuse and poor detention conditions, including lack of water and sanitation. Notably, activist Greta Thunberg was among those reporting maltreatment. However, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and a senior ministry official asserted that no abuse reports had been received by Swedish personnel, a stance disputed by detainees and former MP Lorena Delgado Varas, who filed a complaint to Sweden's Constitutional Committee over alleged misinformation. International media had highlighted these abuses prior to Sweden's official response, raising concerns about the timeliness and transparency of the ministry's actions.
In a related but separate incident, Swedish police are investigating an assault reported by 17-year-old activist Lulle. The youth alleges he was physically attacked and pepper-sprayed during a memorial event near Stockholm Mosque on October 12. The assailant, reportedly a known left-wing extremist, verbally and physically assaulted Lulle while he was recording the event for safety. Police confirmed an ongoing investigation but have made no arrests yet.
These developments underscore ongoing tensions involving Swedish citizens subjected to assaults both abroad and domestically. The Foreign Ministry's demand for clarification from Israel and the police inquiry into the local incident reflect Sweden's official responses to protect its nationals and uphold accountability.