Greta Thunberg Arrested at London Protest Supporting Palestine Action Prisoners

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been arrested in central London after attending a demonstration in support of imprisoned Palestine Action protesters who are currently on hunger strike, according to organisers involved in the protest.

The 22 year old was detained in the City of London after joining an early morning demonstration on Fenchurch Street. The protest was organised by the Prisoners for Palestine group, which campaigns on behalf of activists jailed for actions linked to Palestine Action. Footage shared by the group showed Thunberg holding placards reading I support the Palestine Action prisoners and I oppose genocide while standing among a small group of demonstrators.

City of London Police later confirmed that a 22 year old woman had been arrested on suspicion of displaying a placard in support of a proscribed organisation. Police said the arrest was made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which makes it a criminal offence to publicly display symbols or express support for organisations that have been banned under UK terrorism legislation. Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK government earlier this year.

Thunberg, who rose to global prominence as a teenager for her climate activism, has in recent years expanded her advocacy to include social justice and human rights causes. She has previously spoken out in support of Palestinian civilians and criticised governments over their handling of the conflict in Gaza, drawing both praise and criticism from different quarters.

The demonstration took place as several Palestine Action activists remain in prison and are reported to be on hunger strike. Supporters say the prisoners are being treated unfairly and argue that their actions were intended to disrupt companies linked to Israeli military supply chains. UK authorities, however, have classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, citing repeated acts of property damage and disruption at defence related sites.

Police said officers attending the scene acted after identifying a potential offence linked to the display of protest material. They added that the arrest was made to prevent further breaches of the law and that the individual was taken into custody for questioning. No injuries were reported during the incident, and the demonstration was dispersed shortly afterwards.

The arrest has triggered debate online, with supporters arguing that Thunberg was exercising her right to peaceful protest and free expression. Critics, however, say the law is clear regarding public support for proscribed organisations and that enforcement is necessary regardless of an individual’s profile or intentions.

Legal experts note that the Terrorism Act places strict limits on protest activity once an organisation has been banned, even if demonstrators frame their actions as humanitarian or political. Convictions under Section 13 can carry prison sentences, though outcomes depend on prosecutorial decisions and court findings.

Neither Thunberg nor her representatives had issued a public statement at the time of reporting. City of London Police said investigations were ongoing and that further updates would be provided if charges are brought.

The incident underscores the increasingly complex boundary between protest, political expression, and national security law in the UK, particularly as activism around global conflicts continues to intensify.