Greta Thunberg arrested at pro-Palestine protest in London

Greta Thunberg is arrested by British police during a pro-Palestinian protest in London, raising debate over protest laws and support for Palestine Action.
British police have detained Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, sparking renewed debate over protest laws, freedom of expression, and the UK government’s stance on Palestine-related activism.

The incident took place on December 23, 2025, in London’s financial district, where demonstrators gathered to show solidarity with imprisoned activists linked to the group Palestine Action.

Why Greta Thunberg Was Arrested

According to campaign group Defend Our Juries, Thunberg was arrested while holding a placard expressing support for Palestinian prisoners and opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

The City of London Police later confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was detained for allegedly displaying material in support of a proscribed organisation, citing Section 13 of the UK Terrorism Act 2000. While police did not initially name Thunberg, the description matched the well-known activist.

This arrest highlights the expanding use of counterterrorism legislation in policing political protests, especially those related to Palestine.

Protest Location and Target Explained

The demonstration was held outside the London offices of Aspen Insurance, a global insurance firm. Activists say the company provides insurance services to Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.

Elbit Systems produces military drones and surveillance technology widely used by the Israeli army. Protest organisers argue that companies financially connected to arms manufacturers share responsibility for civilian harm in conflict zones.

Damage and Additional Arrests at the Protest

In addition to Thunberg’s detention, two other protesters—a man and a woman—were arrested at the scene. Police said the pair had caused property damage using red paint and tools, and had physically attached themselves to the building.

Defend Our Juries confirmed the action, describing it as symbolic, with red paint representing bloodshed in Gaza. The group said the protest aimed to disrupt business operations and force public scrutiny of corporate involvement in arms production.

Background: Palestine Action and Hunger Strikes

The protest was also organised in solidarity with Palestine Action activists, six of whom are currently on hunger strike inside UK prisons. At least two have been hospitalised, raising concerns among human rights groups.

Palestine Action was recently designated a terrorist organisation by the UK government, a decision that has been heavily criticised by civil liberties advocates. The group focuses on direct action campaigns targeting arms manufacturers operating in Britain.

Among the hunger strikers’ key demands is the closure of Elbit Systems’ UK facilities, arguing that British soil should not host companies linked to foreign military operations accused of war crimes.

Greta Thunberg’s Growing Role in Palestine Advocacy

While globally known for climate activism, Thunberg has increasingly spoken out on Palestinian rights. She has repeatedly described Israel’s war on Gaza as a genocide, a term strongly disputed by Israeli officials and their allies.

Earlier this month, Thunberg publicly supported Palestinian hunger strikers on social media, urging the British government to intervene and protect prisoners’ rights. She has also participated in international campaigns challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Her arrest marks one of the most high-profile detentions of a global activist linked to pro-Palestinian protests in the UK.

Legal and Political Reactions Emerging

Civil rights organisations argue that the arrest reflects a dangerous narrowing of protest freedoms in Britain. Critics say that criminalising symbolic expressions—such as holding a sign—sets a troubling precedent.

Supporters of the government’s approach counter that laws banning support for proscribed organisations must be enforced consistently, regardless of an individual’s public profile.

So far, UK ministers have not commented directly on Thunberg’s arrest, though campaigners accuse senior officials of refusing dialogue with hunger strikers and their families.