Greta Thunberg arrested after protest linked to Palestine action hunger strikers

LONDON: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London on Tuesday after taking part in a protest connected to hunger strikers from Palestine Action, a group proscribed in the UK.

According to police, the 22-year-old activist attended a demonstration outside the London offices of Aspen Insurance. Protesters said the firm was targeted because it allegedly provides services to Elbit Systems, an Israeli-linked defence manufacturer.

Thunberg was seen holding a placard printed on the back of a Palestinian flag that read: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” Video footage circulating on social media shows an officer removing the sign and asking her if she would stand; she shook her head in response.

“I’ll take this off you,” an officer can be heard saying in the footage before escorting her away.

In a statement released Wednesday, City of London Police said the arrest followed an earlier incident on Fenchurch Street.

“At around 7am this morning, hammers and red paint were used to damage a building on Fenchurch Street,” police said. “A little while later, a 22-year-old woman attended the scene and was arrested for displaying an item — in this case a placard — in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.”

The incident was first reported by The Telegraph.

Thunberg, who rose to global prominence for her climate activism, has in recent months become increasingly vocal on issues related to Gaza and the Israel–Palestine conflict. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether she will face formal charges.