“She was exhibited like a trophy with the Israeli flag” – M’sian Activist Says Detainees Were Treated Like Animals

The Malaysian activists who were illegally detained by Israeli forces have been released, as confirmed by the Malaysian government. While in Istanbul, Turkey, one of them shared the horrific treatment they endured during their detention.

One of the activists, Hazwani Helmi, said that they were treated “like animals” while in custody.

Hazwani claimed that during their detention, the activists were denied access to food, beverages, and even the use of toilets, leaving them in a state of hunger. She added that they were imprisoned without any justification and were labeled as terrorists by the Israeli forces.

“They threw our bags away, which contained medicines,” she said.

Another activist from Sweden, 22-year-old Greta Thunberg, was also illegally detained and reportedly suffered similar treatment, which Hazwani witnessed firsthand.

Hazwani alleged that Thunberg was shoved and paraded with an Israeli flag

American participant Windfield Beaver shared similar accounts at Istanbul Airport, stating that Thunberg was “treated terribly” and “used as propaganda.” He recalled how she was shoved into a room as far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered.

Hazwani further claimed that Israeli forces wrapped Thunberg in an Israeli flag and exhibited her like a trophy.

“The world needs to know how cruel the Israeli forces are,” Hazwani told Al Jazeera.

Also read: “Silence isn’t neutrality” – M’sian Influencer Responds to Backlash Over Not Speaking Out About Gaza