**’Dragged by Hair’: Activists Claim Greta Thunberg Mistreated in Detention**

*By Snehil Singh | October 5, 2025, 11:25 AM*

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was allegedly mistreated during her detention by Israeli authorities, fellow activists have claimed. Hazwani Helmi and Windfield Beaver, who were among those detained, reported witnessing Thunberg being shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag.

### The Incident

Around 137 activists were detained while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. After being deported from Israel, they arrived in Turkey on Saturday. The activists’ mission challenged Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, which Israeli officials have condemned as a publicity stunt and warned against breaching what they consider a lawful blockade.

### Allegations of Mistreatment

Turkish activist Ersin Celik alleged that Thunberg was “dragged by her hair” and “beaten” by Israeli forces. He also claimed she was forced to kiss the Israeli flag as a warning to other detainees. Helmi and Beaver added that detainees endured poor conditions, including lack of clean food and water. They accused authorities of using Thunberg as propaganda during her detention.

### Official Response

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “complete lies.” Officials stated that all detainees had access to food, water, and restrooms, and that their legal rights were fully upheld throughout the detention process. Turkish foreign ministry sources confirmed that the detained activists included citizens from several countries such as the United States, UAE, Algeria, and Italy.

### Health Concerns Raised

The Swedish Foreign Ministry has weighed in, revealing that Thunberg was held in a cell infested with bedbugs and was provided insufficient food and water. An official who visited her reported signs of dehydration and rashes suspected to be from bedbug bites. Another detainee also witnessed Thunberg being forced to hold flags for photographs.

Despite these claims, Israel maintains that all legal rights of detainees were respected during their custody.

### International Attention and Criticism

This incident has drawn significant international attention and criticism regarding the treatment of activists during their detention in Israel. The flotilla’s attempt to challenge the naval blockade continues to spark debate over human rights and political tensions in the region.

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*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/dragged-by-hair-activists-claim-greta-thunberg-mistreated-in-detention/story