Prominent climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has been taken into police custody during a demonstration in central London. The arrest occurred on Tuesday morning outside the offices of Aspen Insurance on Fenchurch Street, where a protest was being held in solidarity with imprisoned members of the banned organisation Palestine Action.
Details of the Arrest and Protest
City of London Police confirmed a 22-year-old woman was arrested for displaying a placard in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. In video footage circulated by the protest group Prisoners for Palestine, Ms Thunberg is seen holding a sign that read: "I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide."
The demonstration targeted Aspen Insurance because, according to the protesters, the company provides services to Elbit Systems, an Israeli-linked defence firm. Earlier in the morning, prior to Ms Thunberg's arrival, two other activists had sprayed red paint on the building's facade and glued themselves in place. Police arrested them on suspicion of criminal damage.
Context: The Hunger Strikes and Demands
The Swedish activist was at the rally to support multiple members of Palestine Action who are currently in prison on remand and have been on a hunger strike since 2 November. Their demands are clear:
- An end to the UK hosting weapons factories that supply arms to Israel.
- The de-proscription of Palestine Action as a banned group.
- An end to the alleged mistreatment of prisoners in custody.
- Immediate bail for those on remand.
Reports indicate at least three of the original hunger strikers have now ceased their action due to deteriorating health, but others continue. Several politicians have visited the strikers, with some warning the government that deaths could occur in the coming days.
Government and Police Response
The government has firmly stated it will not intervene. Prisons Minister Lord Timpson emphasised the independence of the judiciary, stating: "Remand decisions are for independent judges... It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases." He noted the prisoners face serious charges including aggravated burglary and criminal damage.
A spokesperson for the City of London Police detailed the sequence of events, confirming the arrest of the 22-year-old woman for the placard offence after she attended the scene of the earlier damage.
The arrest has sparked criticism from campaign groups. A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries questioned whether police had misinterpreted the law or if the state was now classifying support for these prisoners as terrorism. The statement accused the government of "protecting the companies profiting from genocide."
