Greta Thunberg Detained at London Pro-Palestine Protest

London, United Kingdom

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained by British police on Tuesday during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, highlighting ongoing tensions between security enforcement and the right to protest. The arrest took place outside the Aspen Insurance offices on Fenchurch Street, where demonstrators were showing solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners affiliated with the banned group Palestine Action.

Police confirmed that Thunberg, 22, was taken into custody for displaying a placard supporting Palestine Action prisoners, an organization designated a “proscribed terrorist group” under UK law. The sign she held read: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” The protest drew attention to activists detained for earlier direct actions, some of whom had been on hunger strike for weeks, with at least two hospitalized.

Earlier, authorities also arrested two other demonstrators suspected of criminal damage after using red paint and hammers to deface the building. Officers had to remove the protesters after they glued themselves to fixtures near the site.

Thunberg, known globally for her climate advocacy, has recently extended her activism to Middle East causes. In October, she was detained during an attempt to break through Israel’s blockade of Gaza. She was previously cleared of a public order offense in the UK after a court found police had overstepped during a prior protest.

The London demonstration aimed to draw attention to Aspen Insurance’s alleged connections to Elbit Systems UK, an Israeli defense contractor. Protesters demanded the release of hunger-striking detainees, a reversal of the ban on Palestine Action, and changes to UK policy regarding weapons supply.

Thunberg was later released on bail, with conditions until a court hearing scheduled for March 2026. Her arrest has sparked debate about the use of anti-terror laws to target symbolic protest actions, raising concerns about free speech and the right to peaceful demonstration. Civil liberties advocates argue that the broad application of terrorism legislation risks chilling political expression, while supporters maintain the measures are necessary to prevent support for groups linked to illegal activities.

The incident reflects broader tensions in the UK, where pro-Palestinian demonstrations have increased, leading to thousands of arrests and heightened police scrutiny since the government invoked anti-terror powers earlier this year. Thunberg’s detention has reignited discussions on balancing security concerns with civil liberties, drawing attention both nationally and internationally to the issue.

Discover More UK GDP Stalls at 0.1% as Landlord Crackdown Expands