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

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 11:25 AM*

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**Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has come under the spotlight once again, this time amid allegations of mistreatment during her detention by Israeli authorities.** Fellow activists who were detained alongside her have raised serious concerns about the conditions faced and the treatment meted out during their time in custody.

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### The Incident

Around 137 activists, including Thunberg, were detained while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Following their detention, the group was deported and arrived in Turkey on Saturday. The mission was part of a flotilla aimed at challenging Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

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### Allegations of Mistreatment

Activists Hazwani Helmi and Windfield Beaver reported that Thunberg was “shoved” and forced to wear an Israeli flag during detention. Turkish activist Ersin Celik went further, alleging that Thunberg was “dragged by her hair” and “beaten” by security forces. He also claimed that she was coerced into kissing the Israeli flag as a warning to other detainees.

Additionally, detainees were said to have been subjected to poor conditions, including a lack of clean food and water. Helmi and Beaver asserted that Thunberg was “used as propaganda” while in custody.

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### Official Response

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has categorically denied all allegations of mistreatment, labeling them as “complete lies.” According to their statement, all detainees had access to food, water, and restrooms, and their legal rights were fully respected throughout the process.

Turkish foreign ministry sources confirmed that the group of detained activists included citizens from several countries, such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, and Italy.

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### Health Concerns Raised by Swedish Authorities

The Swedish Foreign Ministry added further context, informing that Thunberg was held in a cell reportedly infested with bedbugs, and suffered from dehydration and rashes suspected to be caused by the insects.

An official who visited her noted that she had insufficient access to food and water during detention. There were also reports from another detainee who witnessed Thunberg being forced to hold flags for photographs, reinforcing claims of her use in propaganda.

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### International Reactions and Blockade Criticism

This incident has drawn significant international attention and ignited criticism regarding the treatment of activists during the detention process. Israeli officials maintain that the naval blockade of Gaza is lawful and have dismissed the flotilla mission as a publicity stunt.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade and emphasizes the complex dynamics between activism, international diplomacy, and security measures in the region.

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**As the situation unfolds, global observers continue to scrutinize both the treatment of detained activists and the broader geopolitical implications of the Gaza naval blockade.**
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