Key points
- Detained under UK Terrorism Act for placard
- Palestine Action proscribed as UK terrorist group
- Protest targeted insurance firm linked to Elbit
London: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested on Tuesday during a pro-Palestinian protest in London but has since been released on bail, police confirmed. The 22-year-old was detained under the UK Terrorism Act for holding a placard that read: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”
Palestine Action, the group referenced on her sign, has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the British government. City of London Police said Thunberg has been bailed until March, reports CNN.
The protest targeted a building housing an insurance firm, which campaigners claim provides services to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence company. Two other individuals were also arrested earlier for throwing red paint at the building, while the 22-year-old woman — identified as Thunberg — was detained for supporting a proscribed organisation.
Freedom of expression
Thunberg, internationally recognised for her climate activism, first rose to prominence in 2018 with weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament. Last year, she was cleared of a public order offence in Britain, with a judge ruling police lacked authority to arrest her at a previous London protest.
In October, Thunberg was detained along with 478 others and expelled by Israel after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla, an activist convoy attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel has consistently rejected allegations of genocide.
City of London Police said their actions were carried out in accordance with UK law, while campaign groups continue to highlight ongoing debates over protest rights and freedom of expression.
