Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested Tuesday in London during a pro-Palestinian demonstration, escalating tensions surrounding protests linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. thunberg’s arrest, confirmed by London’s Metropolitan Police, occurred while she displayed a sign supporting Palestine Action, a group proscribed under UK anti-terrorism legislation earlier this year due to disruptive tactics . The incident highlights a growing wave of activism and subsequent legal repercussions for those protesting corporate and governmental ties to the conflict.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested Tuesday in London while participating in a demonstration supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action, according to statements released by the organizations Defend Our Juries and Prisoners for Palestine. The arrest highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by activists protesting against companies linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Thunberg was holding a sign that read, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose the genocide,” a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said, adding that the activist was arrested under British anti-terrorism legislation.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old woman for displaying an item – in this case, a sign – in support of a banned organization, Palestine Action, but did not release her name.
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The demonstration was held in solidarity with eight hunger strikers from Palestine Action, which was added to the UK’s list of proscribed terrorist organizations in early July following acts of vandalism. These activists, aged between 20 and 31, are currently awaiting trial for actions carried out on behalf of the group.
Over 2,000 Arrests Made at Demonstrations, According to Defend Our Juries
Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, has launched a legal challenge against the ban, which has been criticized by human rights organizations and both the Council of Europe and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Supporting the organization is punishable by up to six months in prison.
Defend Our Juries reports that more than 2,000 people have been arrested during dozens of demonstrations in support of the organization. Thunberg is the first high-profile individual to be detained in connection with these protests. London police also announced the arrest of two other individuals on suspicion of “criminal damage” to a building in the City of London financial district.
According to Defend Our Juries, two activists covered the facade of a building housing the insurance company Aspen with red paint, simulating blood, before chaining themselves to the entrance. They stated their aim was to “draw attention to Aspen’s complicity in genocide, disrupt its operations, and shut down the building.” Images circulating on social media show Thunberg seated on the ground with a sign.
