Swedish climate and social activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London while protesting in support of Palestinian prisoners, according to reports. The 22-year-old was detained by police at Fenchurch Street during the demonstration.
British authorities said Thunberg was linked to the banned group ‘Palestine Action’ and was arrested under Section 13 of the 2000 Terrorism Act. She was later released on bail.
A video shared on social media by the group ‘Prisoners for Palestinian Protest shows Thunberg holding a placard that reads, “I support Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose ethnic genocide.”
Palestinian prisoners associated with Palestine Action have been on hunger strike for an extended period, demanding intervention by the UK and other countries to end Israeli actions in Palestine. Their five main demands include immediate bail, fair hearings, lifting restrictions on communication, removal of Palestine Action from the list of terrorist organisations, and ending cooperation between Israeli weapons manufacturers and British companies.
Thunberg, known globally for her activism in climate change, social justice, and human rights, first gained international attention in 2018 when she staged a solo protest outside the Swedish parliament at age 15.
She has continued to support a number of initiatives since then, such as giving children access to education, working to address climate change, and working for global justice. She has also regularly spoken out against the continuing violence in Ukraine and Palestine.