German Far-Right Extremist Arrested in Czech Republic After Months on the Run

A prominent German transgender far-right extremist, Marla-Svenja Liebich, has been arrested in Krásná, Czech Republic. The apprehension, executed under a European arrest warrant, concludes an extensive search that began when Liebich failed to report to prison in Chemnitz, Germany, in August 2025.

Background and Conviction

Liebich, formerly known as Sven, was sentenced in July 2023 by the Halle District Court to eighteen months in prison without parole. The conviction stemmed from charges of extreme right incitement to hatred, defamation, and insult, with an appeal against the sentence proving unsuccessful. German media have previously linked Liebich to the neo-Nazi group Blood and Honour.

Gender Transition Controversy

Towards the end of 2024, Liebich officially changed their gender entry to female and adopted the first name Marla-Svenja, utilising Germany’s recently enacted Self-Determination Act. This legislation simplifies the process for individuals to alter their gender marker and first name via a registry office declaration. However, the legitimacy of Liebich’s transition has been questioned by German media and politicians, with Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt accusing Liebich of abusing the new Act. Reports from the time of arrest suggest Liebich was wearing men’s clothing and had a shaved head, though authorities have refrained from commenting on their appearance.

Liebich is currently in custody in the Czech Republic and is anticipated to be extradited to Germany to serve the outstanding prison sentence.