Greta Thunberg was awarded by a European Palestinian organization linked to Hamas supporters, sparking controversy. The award was given during a large Palestinian demonstration in Stockholm, which also faced criticism for alleged antisemitic ties. Thunberg expressed surprise at the focus on the award, emphasizing the demonstration's aim to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Greta Thunberg Receives Controversial Award Amidst Palestinian Demonstration
Greta Thunberg Receives Controversial Award Amidst Palestinian Demonstration
Greta Thunberg has been recognized by a European Palestinian organization, whose representatives have previously been associated with a group openly supporting Hamas.
"I have no idea what this organization is. I also find it absurd that this is what gets the focus," Thunberg told Dagens ETC.
On June 14, one of the largest Palestinian demonstrations in Sweden took place in Stockholm, attracting tens of thousands of participants. Among the speakers was Daniel Helldén, spokesperson for the Green Party, who later distanced himself from the organizers.
This followed accusations from the Swedish Committee Against Antisemitism (SKMA) that the organizers were spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Activist Greta Thunberg also spoke at the demonstration. She received a diploma for her journey to Gaza with the Freedom Flotilla, as highlighted by Doku.
"Absurd That This Is What Gets the Focus"
According to Doku, the chairman of the German branch of the organization "Union of the Palestinian Communities’ Institutions and Activities in Europe" signed the diploma.
He was previously a board member of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), whose military wing participated in the October 7 terror attack. The attack has been described as a "natural and necessary" response to Israel's occupation.
"I have no idea what this organization is. I also find it quite absurd that this is what gets the focus, when the demonstration was to stand up against the systematic starvation and genocide of two million people. That is the main issue," Greta Thunberg told Dagens ETC.
The two individuals Thunberg posed with in the photo are also said to bear symbols of the DFLP.
"If you had any idea how many times a day people take pictures with me and often place things in my hands or next to me without my consent, you would see the situation in a completely different light," Thunberg told the newspaper.