Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Sunday that allegations of mistreatment against Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who remains detained in Israel, would be “very serious” if confirmed.
"Even before the arrest, we had conveyed to Israel the importance of respecting the safety and consular rights of Swedish citizens," Malmer Stenergard said in a statement to Swedish news agency TT.
"I have taken note of the reports of allegations of abusive treatment. If the reports are true, this is very serious. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the embassy are working to bring the Swedish citizens home as soon as possible," she added.
The minister reiterated that Sweden had "emphasized that the needs for food and water must be met, and that all detainees must be given the opportunity to meet with legal counsel if they so desire."
She said Sweden has "reinforced its preparedness in Tel Aviv with staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stockholm."
