Greta Thunberg Arrested in London Over Support for Palestine Action Protesters
Published 23 December 2025
Highlights
- Greta Thunberg was arrested in London for supporting Palestine Action, a proscribed organization under the Terrorism Act 2000.
- The protest targeted Aspen Insurance, linked to Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, with activists using red paint and hammers.
- Eight Palestine Action activists are on a hunger strike, with some in critical condition, demanding their release and the lifting of the group's ban.
- Legal action is being considered against Justice Secretary David Lammy for not addressing the hunger strikers' demands.
- Thunberg and other activists argue that the UK government should intervene to meet the demands of the hunger strikers.
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Rewritten Article
Greta Thunberg Arrested in London Over Support for Palestine Action Protesters
Greta Thunberg, the renowned climate activist, was arrested in London after participating in a demonstration supporting Palestine Action protesters, who are currently on a hunger strike. The 22-year-old was detained for displaying a placard endorsing the group, which has been banned under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000.
Protest at Aspen Insurance
The protest took place outside the offices of Aspen Insurance, a company accused of providing services to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm. Activists used red paint and hammers to damage the building, leading to the arrest of two individuals for criminal damage. Thunberg, who arrived later, was taken into custody for her placard, which read, "I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide."
Hunger Strike and Legal Action
The demonstration was in solidarity with eight Palestine Action activists on hunger strike, some of whom have been hospitalized due to deteriorating health. The hunger strike began on November 2, with activists demanding their release and the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action. Legal representatives for the strikers have sent a pre-action letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy, criticizing his refusal to meet with the activists and address their demands.
Thunberg's Call for Government Intervention
Thunberg has been vocal about the situation, urging the UK government to meet the "reasonable demands" of the hunger strikers. She stated, "It is up to the state to intervene and put an end to this by meeting these reasonable demands that pave the way for the freedom of all those who choose to use their rights trying to stop a genocide."
The protest and subsequent arrests have sparked debate over the application of counter-terrorism legislation, with campaigners questioning the grounds for Thunberg's arrest.
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Scenario Analysis
The arrest of Greta Thunberg and the ongoing hunger strike by Palestine Action activists could lead to increased scrutiny of the UK's counter-terrorism laws, particularly their application to protest activities. If the legal action against Justice Secretary David Lammy proceeds, it may force a reevaluation of how hunger strikes and political protests are managed by the government. Additionally, the involvement of a high-profile figure like Thunberg could amplify international attention on the issue, potentially influencing public opinion and policy decisions regarding the treatment of political prisoners and the legality of protest groups like Palestine Action.
Greta Thunberg, the renowned climate activist, was arrested in London after participating in a demonstration supporting Palestine Action protesters, who are currently on a hunger strike. The 22-year-old was detained for displaying a placard endorsing the group, which has been banned under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000.
Protest at Aspen Insurance
The protest took place outside the offices of Aspen Insurance, a company accused of providing services to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm. Activists used red paint and hammers to damage the building, leading to the arrest of two individuals for criminal damage. Thunberg, who arrived later, was taken into custody for her placard, which read, "I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide."
Hunger Strike and Legal Action
The demonstration was in solidarity with eight Palestine Action activists on hunger strike, some of whom have been hospitalized due to deteriorating health. The hunger strike began on November 2, with activists demanding their release and the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action. Legal representatives for the strikers have sent a pre-action letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy, criticizing his refusal to meet with the activists and address their demands.
Thunberg's Call for Government Intervention
Thunberg has been vocal about the situation, urging the UK government to meet the "reasonable demands" of the hunger strikers. She stated, "It is up to the state to intervene and put an end to this by meeting these reasonable demands that pave the way for the freedom of all those who choose to use their rights trying to stop a genocide."
The protest and subsequent arrests have sparked debate over the application of counter-terrorism legislation, with campaigners questioning the grounds for Thunberg's arrest.
What this might mean
The arrest of Greta Thunberg and the ongoing hunger strike by Palestine Action activists could lead to increased scrutiny of the UK's counter-terrorism laws, particularly their application to protest activities. If the legal action against Justice Secretary David Lammy proceeds, it may force a reevaluation of how hunger strikes and political protests are managed by the government. Additionally, the involvement of a high-profile figure like Thunberg could amplify international attention on the issue, potentially influencing public opinion and policy decisions regarding the treatment of political prisoners and the legality of protest groups like Palestine Action.
