Czech courts confirm neo-Nazi transgender figure's extradition to Germany

Czech courts have upheld the extradition of Marla-Svenja Liebich, a prominent German far-right figure and neo-Nazi who is also transgender, to face charges in Germany. Liebich, formerly known as Sven, was arrested in the Czech Republic in April on a European arrest warrant.

The High Court in Prague confirmed the extradition on Tuesday, rejecting Liebich's appeal against an earlier ruling by a regional court in Plzen. Liebich had failed to report to a women's prison in Germany in August to begin an 18-month sentence for charges including incitement to racial hatred and defamation.

“

We have not found the request of this person to be justified.

Liebich's legal team had argued against extradition, but the court found the request justified. The extradition is expected to occur within 10 days, according to a court spokesperson. Liebich's case has drawn attention due to the individual's gender transition and past political activities.

Liebich's gender transition after a 2023 conviction and the adoption of Germany's "self-determination law" in late 2024, which allows for easier legal gender and name changes, had previously sparked debate. The law permits changes by declaration to the civil registry without medical proof. Liebich had also previously disrupted a Pride march, calling LGBT+ individuals "parasites of society," and claimed to have converted to Judaism, requesting kosher meals and a rabbi, which drew condemnation from Germany's antisemitism commissioner.

“

We confirm the extradition of the person concerned to the Federal Republic of Germany.