Greta Thunberg has been detained during a demonstration in support of Palestine Action activists who are currently on hunger strike while imprisoned, according to the protest group Prisoners for Palestine.
The 22-year-old climate activist was apprehended in London’s financial district after joining the early morning protest on Fenchurch Street.
In footage released by the group, she was seen holding a sign that read “I support the Palestine Action prisoners” and “I oppose genocide.”
The City of London Police confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was arrested for showing support for a proscribed organization, namely Palestine Action, which is in violation of Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Authorities indicated they received reports around 07:00 GMT of property damage involving hammers and red paint at a local building.
Additionally, a man and woman were apprehended on suspicion of criminal damage after they “glued themselves nearby,” according to police, who had to use special measures to remove them before taking them into custody.
The demonstration, organized by the Prisoners for Palestine group, took place outside the offices of Aspen Insurance, which they allege has ties to the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems.
Earlier this year, Palestine Action was designated as a proscribed group under UK counterterrorism laws, making it illegal to support or advocate for them.
Police stated that investigations are still ongoing.
Thunberg, who gained recognition as a young climate activist, has participated in numerous protests advocating for Palestinian rights.
She referred to the hunger-striking activists as “political prisoners” in an Instagram video released on Monday, asserting that the UK government should address their demands for release and drop all charges against them.
This protest comes in the wake of several Palestine Action activists being hospitalized in recent days due to their hunger strike, which began on November 2. In total, seven prisoners have been admitted to medical facilities since the strike commenced.
Kamran Ahmed, 28, held at Pentonville Prison in North London, and Amu Gib, 30, detained at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, were both hospitalized within the last week.
Prisoners for Palestine previously reported that Mr. Gib’s health had declined significantly since he began the hunger strike on November 2, and he now requires the use of a wheelchair.
A law firm representing the hunger strikers has stated it submitted a pre-action letter on Monday against Justice Secretary David Lammy, signaling their intention to pursue legal action.
