London police arrest climate activist Greta Thunberg
London police arrested climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday during a protest held in central London in support of members of the banned group Palestine Action who are currently on hunger strike.
The City of London Police confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of displaying material in support of a proscribed organisation under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. While police did not initially name the individual, footage circulating on social media confirmed the arrested woman to be Greta Thunberg.
Videos shared online by the protest group Prisoners for Palestine showed Thunberg holding a placard reading: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” The demonstration took place outside the London offices of Aspen Insurance in the Fenchurch Street area.
According to organisers, the protest targeted Aspen Insurance over alleged business ties with Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems. During the demonstration, two activists sprayed red paint on the front of the building before police arrived and made arrests.
Police said that at around 7am, officers responded to reports of criminal damage involving hammers and red paint at the site. A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. A short time later, Thunberg arrived at the scene and was subsequently detained for displaying a placard in support of Palestine Action.
“She has been arrested for displaying an item (in this case a placard) in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000,” a City of London Police spokesperson said.
Thunberg had joined the protest to express solidarity with several Palestine Action members who are currently being held on remand and have been on hunger strike for weeks. Protest organisers claimed that some of the hunger strikers have since ended their strike due to deteriorating health, while others continue their protest.
The arrest has sparked renewed debate on social media over freedom of expression, protest rights, and the UK government’s designation of activist groups under counterterrorism laws.
