Greta Thunberg was arrested in London after participating in a protest supporting Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers. The Swedish climate activist held a placard reading “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” She joined the demonstration outside Aspen Insurance’s office, a firm targeted for its links to Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems UK.
Earlier, two activists used repurposed fire extinguishers to splash red paint on the building and secured themselves to it. Police confirmed that a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage related to this incident. Later, Thunberg, 22, was also detained for displaying a placard in support of Palestine Action, which is proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The protest aimed to highlight the hunger strike of eight prisoners awaiting trial for alleged offenses connected to Palestine Action. According to campaigners, two of the hunger strikers are on their 52nd day and are at critical health risk, while three others have stopped due to severe health concerns. Families and supporters have urged Justice Secretary David Lammy to meet them, citing concerns over his refusal as violating ministry policy on hunger strikes.
Thunberg emphasized the urgency in a statement, saying, “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 hunger strikers’ demands include immediate bail, lifting the ban on Palestine Action, and restoring communication rights for prisoners.
Aspen Insurance was singled out due to its provision of services to Elbit Systems UK. This followed previous actions against insurance companies such as Allianz and Aviva, which had ceased underwriting UK subsidiaries of the Israeli arms firm. Allianz recently clarified that it holds no relationship with Elbit Systems and is not involved in Middle East investments or underwriting activities.
City of London police are currently working with specialist officers to safely release those locked to the building. The incident adds to ongoing tensions surrounding Palestine Action protests and government responses under counter-terrorism laws.
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