Germany’s Transgender Controversy: Should Far-Right Extremist Serve Time in Women’s Prison?

Marla-Svenja Liebich, a transgender right-wing extremist sentenced for incitement, faces scrutiny over her gender identity as German authorities decide her placement in prison ahead of her sentence beginning August 29.

In Germany, a debate has emerged surrounding the imprisonment of Marla-Svenja Liebich, a transgender right-wing extremist, and whether she should serve her sentence in a women’s prison or a men’s facility. In July 2023, Liebich was sentenced by the Halle District Court in Saxon-Anhalt to one year and six months in prison without parole for extreme right incitement, defamation, and insult. Following her sentencing, she appealed but was unsuccessful. Previously known as Sven Liebich, she was identified as a member of the neo-Nazi group Blood and Honour.

Liebich officially transitioned in late 2024, changing her gender marker from male to female and adopting a new name under Germany's Self-Determination Act, which streamlines the process for transgender individuals to alter their official records. Despite this, media outlets in Germany have raised concerns about the authenticity of her gender change, questioning whether it was a genuine expression of identity or merely a strategic move to better her situation in prison.

Notably, Der Spiegel remarked on the ambiguity surrounding Liebich’s transition, indicating suspicion about her motives given her history of extreme right views and past queerphobic rhetoric. She has taken legal actions against certain media for misrepresenting her gender identity, but a complaint against Der Spiegel was dismissed by the Press Council.

As her prison term approaches, initial reports confirm that Liebich will serve her sentence at Chemnitz women's prison, with the prison administration set to evaluate any potential threats to security that might prompt a transfer to another facility. Liebich confirmed her upcoming imprisonment on social media, stating she would arrive as scheduled.

Additionally, recent developments have seen her lose a legal battle against journalist Julian Reichelt, with a Berlin court ruling against her attempts to secure a preliminary injunction to prevent critical reporting. The court maintains that the claims against Liebich are unfounded, upholding the freedom of the press in covering her controversial case.