(MENAFN) A German neo-Nazi, Sven Liebich, will serve his 18-month prison sentence in a women’s facility after legally registering as female under Germany’s Self-Determination Act, media reported. The 53-year-old former member of the banned far-right group Blood and Honor was convicted in 2023 for incitement to hatred, defamation, and insult, and lost his appeal.

Under the law, which came into effect in November under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, individuals can change their gender and first name at a registry office without a court ruling. Liebich, now listed as Marla-Svenja, argued the change was needed to avoid discrimination in a male prison. He has been seen in public wearing women’s clothing while retaining a moustache.

Authorities have raised concerns about his motives, given his far-right activism, including participation in rallies wearing Nazi-style armbands and past acts such as burning Pride flags and denouncing transgender people. Saxony’s public prosecutor said prison officials will assess whether his placement poses a security risk and may transfer him if necessary.

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