Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg was taken into custody by London authorities on Tuesday during a protest demonstration. The arrest occurred outside Aspen Insurance headquarters in the city’s financial district where Thunberg participated in a solidarity action.
Law enforcement officials confirmed detaining a 22-year-old woman for violating Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by displaying signage endorsing Palestine Action, an organization banned by the UK government since July. Video evidence from the scene depicts police officers removing a placard from Thunberg that read ‘I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide’ before escorting her to a police vehicle.
The demonstration specifically targeted Aspen Insurance due to its business connections with Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s major defense contractor. Protest organizers stated the action simultaneously expressed support for six incarcerated individuals undergoing hunger strikes against the proscription of Palestine Action and their treatment in detention. Two hunger strikers have reportedly reached their 52nd day without food, entering a critically dangerous phase where fatality risks escalate dramatically.
According to City of London Police, the incident began earlier when activists used hammers and red paint to damage property on Fenchurch Street around 7:00 AM. Two individuals were initially arrested for criminal damage after affixing themselves to structures, requiring specialized removal techniques. Thunberg arrived separately later and was apprehended specifically for her demonstration of support for the proscribed organization.