Why was Greta Thunberg Arrested in London? Inside the Palestine Action Protest that led to her Detention
Greta Thunberg Arrested During London Protest. Image Credit: PRISONERS FOR PALESTINE/AFP
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been arrested in central London after taking part in a protest supporting Palestine Action prisoners currently on hunger strike. The 22-year-old Swedish campaigner was detained by City of London Police on Tuesday after displaying a placard that authorities said amounted to support for a proscribed organisation under UK counter-terrorism laws.
Thunberg’s arrest has sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression, protest rights, and the use of terrorism legislation, with campaigners questioning why her actions led to police intervention.
What Happened at the London Protest?
The incident occurred on Fenchurch Street in the City of London, outside the offices of Aspen Insurance, a global speciality insurer. The protest was organised by the campaign group Prisoners for Palestine, which said the action was staged in solidarity with Palestine Action activists who are currently imprisoned and on hunger strike.
Thunberg arrived after the demonstration had already begun. She sat on the pavement holding a placard that read:
“I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”
Police officers approached her shortly after, and she was arrested at the scene.
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Why Police Arrested Greta Thunberg
City of London Police later confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which makes it a criminal offence to display an item expressing support for a proscribed organisation.
Earlier this year, Palestine Action was officially banned under UK terrorism legislation, meaning any public expression of support for the group can lead to arrest.
A police spokesperson said Thunberg was detained specifically for displaying a placard in support of Palestine Action, even though she did not take part in acts of criminal damage at the scene.
She was later released on bail, with a further court date set for March 2026.
Other Arrests and Alleged Criminal Damage
Police were initially called to the area at around 7am after reports that protesters had used hammers and red paint to damage the front of the Aspen Insurance building.
Two other activists, a man and a woman, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after allegedly locking and gluing themselves to the building. Specialist officers were deployed to remove them before they were taken into custody.
Red paint was visible on the building’s glass frontage following the protest.
Why Aspen Insurance Was Targeted
According to Prisoners for Palestine, Aspen Insurance was targeted because it allegedly provides services to Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer.
The group said the protest was also intended to draw attention to hunger-striking Palestine Action prisoners who are awaiting trial for alleged offences committed before the organisation was banned.
At least eight prisoners have taken part in the hunger strike. Two have reportedly reached 52 days without food, while several others have been hospitalised due to serious health concerns.
Greta Thunberg’s Statement on the Arrest
Following the incident, Thunberg released a statement criticising the UK government and calling on authorities to meet the hunger strikers’ demands.
She said the state must intervene to prevent further harm, adding that those protesting were exercising their rights in an effort to stop what she described as genocide, accusing the British government of failing to act.
Thunberg has become an increasingly prominent voice in pro-Palestinian activism across Europe, participating in multiple demonstrations over the past year.
Legal and Political Fallout
Campaigners and legal observers have questioned why similar placards have appeared at other protests without arrests, raising concerns about inconsistent enforcement of counter-terrorism laws.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the hunger strikers have sent a pre-action legal letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy, accusing the government of failing to follow official policy on the handling of hunger strikes.
Police said investigations into the protest remain ongoing.
FAQ: Greta Thunberg Arrest Explained
Why was Greta Thunberg arrested in London?
Greta Thunberg was arrested for displaying a placard supporting Palestine Action, which is a proscribed organisation under UK terrorism laws.
Was Greta Thunberg involved in criminal damage?
No. Police said she was arrested solely for displaying a placard, not for damaging property.
What law was used to arrest Greta Thunberg?
She was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which criminalises public support for banned organisations.
Has Greta Thunberg been released?
Yes. She was released on bail and is due to face further proceedings in March 2026.
What is Palestine Action?
Palestine Action is a protest group that targets companies linked to Israeli arms manufacturers. It was banned under UK terrorism legislation in 2025.
Why are Palestine Action prisoners on hunger strike?
The prisoners are protesting their detention, seeking immediate bail, an end to the ban on Palestine Action, and the lifting of restrictions on communication.
Has Greta Thunberg commented on the arrest?
Yes. She criticised the UK government and said the state must act to end the hunger strike and protect protesters’ rights.