Climate activist Greta Thunberg has drawn criticism for her remarks at a pro-Palestinian event in Mannheim, Germany, where she reportedly shouted expletives directed at Germany and Israel.
During the event, Thunberg was seen alongside protesters and remarked into a microphone “F*ck Germany and F*ck Israel” to the cheers of the crowd. The event, held on Friday in the city's main market square, reportedly centered on "solidarity with Palestine and the climate movement" and was attended by over 700 people, according to a report by DPA.
Thunberg, who laughed into the microphone while making the remarks, has faced backlash from political figures for making increasingly antisemitic comments. Manuel Hagel, leader of a conservative regional parliamentary party, condemned her comments, stating, "Mannheim does not need a platform for such dehumanizing positions and our country does not need the presence of people like Greta Thunberg.”
Although known primarily for her environmental activism and comments regarding climate change, Thunberg has increasingly been involved in anti-Israel demonstrations following Hamas' brutal October 7 attacks on Israel last year. The 21-year-old Swedish activist has repeatedly accused Israel of committing "genocide" and has participated in a number of protests aimed against the Jewish state.
Thunberg was arrested twice in September for pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including one at the Stockholm University library, where protesters demanded the university sever ties with Israeli institutions. Thunberg shared footage of her arrest, accusing authorities of complicity in "genocide in Gaza." She was also detained in Copenhagen during another pro-Palestinian demonstration.
