PLZEN, Czech Republic – A Czech court ruled Monday that German far-right activist Marla-Svenja Liebich, who has been convicted of several crimes, may be sent back to Germany. The case has generated significant discussion regarding which correctional facility should house her following her legal gender transition.
The activist maintains the option to challenge the extradition decision, according to a court spokesperson.
In 2023, while legally recognized as male and going by the name Sven, Liebich received an 18-month prison sentence for various violations including inciting hatred, insults, unlawful entry, and defamation.
The conviction was confirmed by the Halle regional court in Germany during August 2024. A subsequent challenge to a regional court was rejected in May 2025.
Following the implementation of Germany’s Self-Determination Act on November 1, 2024, which allows people to modify their gender identification paperwork, Liebich officially transitioned to female status and took the name Marla-Svenja.
According to regional correctional facility assignment protocols, this change necessitated her placement at Chemnitz women’s prison.
The decision drew backlash, with critics claiming tactical exploitation of the legislation and raising concerns about possible gaps in the law. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt characterized the situation as proof of the law’s vulnerability to misuse.
Liebich escaped and did not surrender to the correctional facility in August 2025. Czech authorities captured her this year in a community close to the German border.
At a preliminary court session in Plzen on May 18, she resisted extradition, expressing concerns about potential placement in a men’s correctional facility.
