A German Neo-Nazi Changes Gender to Serve Sentence in Women’s Prison
Convicted far-right extremist Sven Liebich has been ordered to serve his 18-month prison sentence at Chemnitz women’s prison in Saxony after reportedly changing his gender under Germany’s Self-Determination Act. The law, which allows individuals to officially change their gender and name at registry offices without court intervention, was passed during the tenure of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Liebich, a former member of the banned far-right group Blood and Honor, is now known as Marla-Svenja and claims the change was necessary to avoid discrimination in a male facility.
Previously, Liebich was convicted in 2023 on multiple charges, including incitement to hatred, defamation, and insult. He had appealed the decision but lost. His appeal was rejected by the courts, and he was ordered to serve 18 months in prison. In a move that has sparked controversy, Liebich changed his gender using the Self-Determination Act, which critics argue could be exploited for abuse, especially by individuals with far-right affiliations. The reform, which came into effect in November 2024, permits individuals to change their name and gender without the need for a court ruling, a process that has been the subject of debate in Germany.
Liebich’s gender change has raised questions about the potential misuse of the law, as he was previously known for burning Pride flags and describing transgender people as ‘parasites.’ His use of the Self-Determination Act to serve his sentence in a women’s prison has drawn further scrutiny, especially given his history of far-right activism. He has been classified by domestic intelligence services in Saxony as a far-right extremist active both locally and nationally. His involvement in demonstrations, where he wore a Nazi-style armband and marched alongside black-clad demonstrators carrying red, white, and black flags, has also drawn attention to his extremist activities.
Officials stated that the prison authorities would assess whether Liebich’s placement in a women’s prison poses a threat to security. If so, he could be transferred to another facility. Liebich, who has appeared in the media in women’s clothing while still sporting his distinctive moustache, has not publicly explained his motivations for the gender change, though his past actions suggest a possible ideological stance on issues related to identity and transphobia. The case has sparked public debate about the intersection of legal rights, personal identity, and the potential for abuse of gender change laws by extremist groups.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Liebich’s actions will lead to increased scrutiny of the Self-Determination Act or if the law will continue to be used without further controversy. The case also raises broader questions about how legal systems balance personal rights with the need to ensure public safety and prevent the misuse of legal frameworks by individuals with extremist ideologies.