Greta Thunberg arrested in London at protest supporting hunger-striking Palestine Action prisoners

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London on Tuesday under terrorism legislation after holding a placard expressing support for jailed members of Palestine Action, a group banned by the British government earlier this year.

UK Police detained the 22-year-old outside an insurance company’s offices in Fenchurch Street, charging her with displaying material supporting a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Her sign read “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”

The arrest came as lawyers for imprisoned Palestine Action members threatened legal action against deputy prime minister David Lammy over the deteriorating health of seven activists who have refused food since early November. Two were admitted to hospital in recent days.

Insurance firm targeted over arms links

Tuesday’s demonstration focused on Aspen Insurance, which protesters say provides coverage to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor. Two activists threw red paint across the building’s entrance shortly after 7am before officers arrived.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by UK police under the Terrorism Act at the Prisoners for Palestine lock-on protest outside the offices of Aspen Insurance in London, which insures the Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. pic.twitter.com/VIvqCGjrML

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Police said the pair glued themselves to the pavement and required specialist teams to remove them. Both face criminal damage charges. Thunberg arrived at the scene later and was arrested separately.

Hunger strikers now in critical condition

The health crisis inside British prisons has escalated since Palestine Action members began refusing food on 2 November. All seven participants now require hospital treatment, according to the Prisoners for Palestine campaign group.

Amu Gib, held at a Surrey women’s prison, was taken to hospital on Saturday after 51 days without food. The 30-year-old now uses a wheelchair. Fellow striker Kamran Ahmed, 28, was also hospitalised from Pentonville Prison in London last week.

Dr James Smith, an emergency medicine specialist, warned journalists last Thursday that some strikers are close to death and need urgent specialist care.

The imprisoned activists face charges linked to break-ins and vandalism carried out before Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organisation. Their lawyers argue the charges should be dropped following the ban.

Government faces legal threat over prison conditions

Solicitors representing the hunger strikers sent formal notice to Lammy on Monday, giving him 24 hours to respond to allegations the government is violating its own prison safety protocols.

The legal letter, seen by the Press Association, warns that the activists’ condition worsens daily and they now face life-threatening risk. It demands an urgent meeting to discuss their care and potential resolution.

Campaigners say they have written repeatedly to Lammy without receiving any reply. The justice secretary, who also serves as deputy prime minister, has not publicly addressed the situation.

The Ministry of Justice rejected the allegations, saying it wants the prisoners to accept medical support but will not reward hunger strikes by meeting their demands.

(Source: The Independent)