URGENT UPDATE: A convicted neo-Nazi currently on the run has applied to change gender status to non-binary, escalating a controversial case that has drawn widespread attention in Germany. Marla-Svenja Liebich, previously known as Sven, submitted this new request after failing to report to a women’s prison in Chemnitz to serve an 18-month sentence for inciting hatred and other crimes.
Liebich’s previous gender change to female raised eyebrows, especially considering the extremist’s history with the far-right group Blood and Honour. The application comes just months after Liebich’s failed appeal against the conviction, which included inciting hatred and promoting violence against marginalized groups.
In a statement to Euronews, Liebich expressed that public backlash has “ruined” the experience of identifying as a woman, stating, “I no longer want to be Marla Svenja because others have ruined it for me.” This self-identification shift is raising concerns that Liebich is attempting to exploit recent reforms in German law that have simplified the process for gender changes.
Liebich, who has a long history of far-right activism, was ordered to serve time at a women’s facility following a controversial gender transition. Authorities are now treating Liebich as a fugitive after the individual failed to report to the prison as mandated. Liebich was last reported to have posted “love from Moscow” on social media, indicating a potential evasion of authorities.
The case has ignited discussions on Germany’s self-determination law, enacted in 2023, which allows individuals to change gender status without needing medical approval—only requiring a signature at a local registry office. Critics argue that this law could be misused by individuals with criminal backgrounds to escape justice or secure more favorable conditions in prison.
Amid these developments, Liebich’s latest application to become non-binary is particularly controversial, as German regulations stipulate that a personal appearance is necessary to formalize such a change. Liebich has claimed that attending in person would result in immediate arrest, thus filing an official complaint against this requirement.
This situation has prompted outrage among various communities, particularly given Liebich’s history of vehemently opposing the LGBTQ community while simultaneously attempting to navigate the very systems they have long criticized. Liebich has previously made inflammatory remarks about transgender individuals, calling them “parasites of society,” which further complicates the motivations behind the recent gender change requests.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that the reforms designed to support transgender individuals should not be exploited by those with extremist views. The implications of Liebich’s actions raise important questions about the balance between protecting individual rights and ensuring public safety.
As this story develops, observers are keen to see how authorities will respond to Liebich’s latest maneuver and what it could mean for the ongoing debate regarding gender identity, criminal justice, and the protection of marginalized communities in Germany.
