Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London on Tuesday while showing solidarity with pro-Palestinian activists who are currently on a hunger strike. This action is part of a protest by the group Prisoners for Palestine, which is advocating for prisoners awaiting trial related to previous demonstrations.
The arrest occurred as Thunberg participated in a larger demonstration, during which activists from the group Palestine Action targeted an insurance company they allege supports Elbit Systems, an Israel-linked defense firm. A video shared by Prisoners for Palestine shows the 22-year-old climate activist holding a sign in support of the hunger strikers.
City of London police reported that a man and woman were detained on suspicion of criminal damage, while Thunberg was later arrested for allegedly supporting a banned organization, reflecting the British government’s earlier designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
The hunger strike involves eight members of Palestine Action, with the first two participants reaching a desperate milestone of 52 days without food, which they’ve stated puts them in a critical condition. Despite the severity of the situation, the British government has declined to intervene in matters of bail and detention, citing judicial processes.
Thunberg’s involvement in this protest follows her prior acquittal in February 2024, where she faced charges for disobeying police orders during a protest against an oil and gas industry conference. Her continued activism emphasizes the intersection of climate action and social justice issues, showcasing her commitment to various global causes.
While the situation remains tense, the demonstration and Thunberg’s participation bring attention to the plight of those imprisoned and the ongoing struggles faced by activists in the UK.