Greta Thunberg arrested in London while supporting hunger-striking pro-Palestinian activists
London: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by London police on Tuesday during a demonstration in support of pro-Palestinian hunger strikers, Palestinian activist groups said.
Thunberg, 22, became the highest-profile person detained since the UK government banned the Palestine Action group under anti-terror laws.
“Greta Thunberg was arrested under the Terrorism Act at the Prisoners for Palestine lock-on protest,” Prisoners for Palestine said. Thunberg was reportedly holding a sign reading: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”
City of London Police said three people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage at a building in the financial district. “Hammers and red paint were used to damage a building,” the police said.
“A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. They glued themselves nearby and specialist officers are working to release them and bring them into custody,” the statement added.
“A little while later, a 22-year-old woman also attended the scene. She has been 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 police statement said.
The UK government outlawed Palestine Action in July after activists broke into an air force base, causing an estimated £7 million ($9.3 million) of damage. Eight of the group’s members are currently on hunger strike to protest their treatment and demand bail. Some are facing trials over previous break-ins or criminal damage.
Asked about the matter in Parliament last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “rules and procedures” were being followed.
The Palestine Action ban makes being a member of the group, or supporting it, a serious criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. According to protest organisers Defend Our Juries, at least 2,300 demonstrators have been arrested under the ban. London’s Metropolitan Police reported in late November that 254 of those arrested have been charged with lesser offences carrying a maximum sentence of six months.