At a London protest on 23 December, 22‑year‑old Greta Thunberg was detained by police under the UK’s Anti‑Terrorism Act for holding a banner praising a banned Palestinian group.
Arrest During a London Protest
Police detained Greta Thunberg on 23 December while she participated in a demonstration supporting Palestinians. She was holding a banner that read “I support the prisoners of Palestine Action. I oppose genocide.” The UK government has designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, making public expressions of support a potential offence.
Police Confirm Detention for Banned Group Endorsement
The City of London Police spokesperson confirmed that Thunberg was arrested for promoting the banned group. Earlier that day, two other individuals were detained after painting a building’s façade red. Prisoners for Palestine said the target building was chosen deliberately because it belonged to an insurance company believed by activists to provide services to the British arm of an Israeli weapons conglomerate.
Who Is Greta Thunberg?
Greta Thunberg, 22, first came to international attention in 2018 with climate strikes outside the Swedish parliament. She has since broadened her activism to include political and social issues such as the Gaza war. In 2023, a court acquitted her of a public order offence, ruling that police had no legal basis to arrest her during a prior protest.
Global Sumud Flotilla Incident
In October 2025, Thunberg was arrested by Israeli authorities and expelled from the country along with 478 others. She had been aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of ships attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Israel has consistently rejected allegations of genocide in the region, and the incident has raised questions about potential future charges related to her London protest.
