Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London during a pro-Palestinian demonstration, according to a report by news agency Reuters citing the UK-based campaign group Defend Our Juries. The arrest took place during a protest organised under the banner “Prisoners for Palestine” in the British capital.
Defend Our Juries said the protest was held outside the offices of Aspen Insurance and was specifically aimed at highlighting the company’s alleged links to Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems. Activists claim Aspen Insurance provides services connected to Elbit, which manufactures military equipment used by Israel.
According to the campaign group, Thunberg was detained under Section 13 of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000. At the time of reporting, British police had not formally confirmed her arrest or responded to requests for comment, Reuters said.
Sky News later reported that the City of London Police confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old woman for displaying a placard in support of Palestine Action, an organisation that has been proscribed in the UK. Although police did not initially name the individual, the report linked the arrest to Thunberg’s presence at the protest.
Video footage shared by the Prisoners for Palestine protest group shows Greta Thunberg holding a placard reading, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide,” while standing outside the building during the demonstration.
During the protest, two activists allegedly sprayed red paint onto the exterior of the building before police arrived at the scene. Officers later made multiple arrests in connection with the incident, according to reports.
Thunberg had attended the rally to express solidarity with several members of Palestine Action who are currently being held on remand and have been on hunger strike for several weeks. While at least three of the detainees have reportedly ended their hunger strikes due to deteriorating health, others are said to be continuing their protest.
The hunger strikers are demanding an end to the UK hosting weapons manufacturing facilities that supply arms to Israel. They are also calling for Palestine Action to be removed from the list of banned organisations, improved treatment of prisoners in custody, and immediate bail for those detained.
Several politicians have reportedly visited the hunger-striking detainees and warned that their health conditions are becoming critical, with concerns raised that some may die if the strikes persist.
However, the UK government has stated that it will not intervene in the matter. Speaking to Sky News, Prisons Minister Lord Timpson said those involved are facing serious charges, including aggravated burglary and criminal damage. He emphasised that decisions regarding remand are made by independent judges and that any ministerial interference would be unconstitutional and inappropriate.
Local police said that at around 7 am, a building on Fenchurch Street was damaged using hammers and red paint. A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, with specialist officers deployed to safely remove them from the site.
Police added that a short while later, a 22-year-old woman arrived at the location and was arrested for displaying a placard in support of a proscribed organisation. Further details about the case are awaited.
