London police arrest climate activist Greta Thunberg

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was taken into custody in central London during a protest held in support of Palestine Action members who are on hunger strike.

City of London Police confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of displaying material in support of a proscribed organisation, Palestine Action, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Footage shared online by the protest group Prisoners for Palestine showed Thunberg holding a placard reading: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” The demonstration took place outside the London offices of Aspen Insurance.

According to organisers, the protest targeted Aspen Insurance because of its alleged business links with Israeli defence company Elbit Systems. During the protest, two activists sprayed red paint on the front of the building before police arrived at the scene and carried out arrests.

Thunberg had joined the demonstration to show support for several members of the banned group who are currently being held on remand and have been on hunger strike for weeks. Protest organisers said some of the hunger strikers have since ended their strike due to health concerns, while others remain on strike.

A City of London Police spokesperson said: “At around 7am this morning, hammers and red paint were used to damage a building on Fenchurch Street. A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage."

“A little while later, a 22-year-old woman also attended the scene.

“She has been arrested for displaying an item (in this case a placard) in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.”