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British police arrested Swedish activist Greta Thunberg during an anti-Israel protest in central London on Tuesday, citing the UK’s Terrorism Act.
The demonstration targeted offices linked to Aspen Insurance — which protesters accused of having ties to Israeli defense company Elbit Systems — on Fenchurch Street in the British capital.
Arrest Over Support for a Proscribed Organization
According to police, Thunberg displayed a placard reading, “I support Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”
Authorities said the sign amounted to public backing for Palestine Action, a banned organization under UK law.
BREAKING: Greta Thunberg arrested under the Terrorism Act for holding a sign which says "I support Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide"
She was detained at the Prisoners for Palestine action at Aspen Insurance in London, insurers for Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. pic.twitter.com/3qBt3iRi9e
— Prisoners For Palestine (@Prisoners4Pal) December 23, 2025
A spokesperson for the City of London Police said officers arrested Thunberg under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which makes it a criminal offense to display material supporting a proscribed organization.
Earlier that morning, police arrested two individuals at the same location on suspicion of criminal damage.
Officers said hammers and red paint were used to vandalize the building and that the suspects had glued themselves nearby, requiring specialist officers to remove them.
Shortly after, Thunberg arrived at the scene and was taken into custody for displaying the placard.
Piccadilly Circus Protest Night Before
The arrest followed another protest involving Thunberg on Monday night at Piccadilly Circus. Demonstrators blocked traffic at the busy central London landmark.
During that protest, activists chanted slogans supporting detained Palestine Action members. Several participants said they were backing hunger strikers held in British prisons.
The problem with yet another pro-Palestinian demo last night at Piccadilly Circus in central London, is they stopped all traffic, and there was no police to be seen.
In addition, tourists and Christmas shoppers were harassed, while Ms Greta Thunberg, who is building up her air… pic.twitter.com/tpxTWht1JO
— James J. Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) December 23, 2025
Hunger Strike by Palestine Action Detainees
Palestine Action activists launched a hunger strike on November 2. The action involved eight detainees facing charges connected to the banned group.
By Monday, at least three participants had ended their hunger strike, according to the BBC.
British authorities have designated Palestine Action as a proscribed organization, making any public expression of support for the group a criminal offense under UK law.
Police have not yet confirmed whether prosecutors will file formal charges against Thunberg. Authorities said the investigation remained ongoing.
Failed Attempts to Breach Gaza Blockade
Earlier this year, Thunberg participated in two separate flotillas that attempted to breach the Israeli naval blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Both flotillas were intercepted, and Thunberg was detained and deported each time.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
