On December 23, 2025, Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate and human rights activist, was arrested at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, drawing global media attention and sparking discussions over the rights of protesters, anti-terrorism legislation, and activism.
The 22-year-old was arrested by the City of London Police, holding a poster supporting hunger-striking prisoners related to a group that the UK government considers a terrorist organisation under its anti-terrorism laws.
The organised protest was by the Prisoners for Palestine Campaign and was located at the Aspen Insurance offices on Fenchurch Street, with demonstrators standing in support of the imprisoned members of Palestine Action (which is classified as a terrorist organisation by the UK government). Some Palestine Action members had been reportedly on indefinite hunger strikes while awaiting trial for their participation in protests.
Who is Greta Thunberg?
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish Teen Activist for Climate Change Awareness & Action. Her focus is to help find solutions to prevent global warming from destroying our planet and our livelihood. She is known as the face of the Youth Movement for Climate Change. She began this movement with School Strikes for Climate in 2018.
She initiated the School Strike Movement with a rally in Stockholm, which rapidly increased from there. The movement has quickly developed into a large Global Youth Movement for Change. She is still working within these confines, building on her activism by holding leaders accountable at large international conferences (i.e. United Nations, G20, etc.) and bringing attention to the need for action against Climate Change through her uplifting speeches.
As she has matured as a person and activist, her ability to expand the issues she advocates has grown beyond environmental issues, but also into larger themes of social justice and human rights (i.e. her involvement with the Black Lives Matter global protests held in London).
Why was she arrested?
Thunberg was captured in photographs and videos while holding a sign that stated, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.” According to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, displaying materials that endorse a banned organisation is deemed an offence in the UK, even if it is done peacefully”.
The police apprehended her based on this law, although she was not charged with any violent actions or criminal damage related to other demonstrators present at the location.
At the site, other activists were reported to have utilised hammers and red paint to symbolically deface the building as part of the protest, and those individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage.
Thunberg’s arrest was exclusively connected to her sign and her perceived endorsement of a proscribed group. Shortly after her arrest, authorities released her on bail while awaiting further legal proceedings, with a court appearance anticipated in March 2026.
FAQ’s On Greta Thunberg Arrested In London
What led to Greta Thunberg’s arrest in London?
She was taken into custody for holding a placard advocating for prisoners associated with Palestine Action, an organisation classified as a terrorist group by UK law.
Which protest was she participating in?
Thunberg was present at a Prisoners for Palestine demonstration outside the Aspen Insurance offices, expressing her support for members of the banned organisation who are on hunger strike.
What is meant by “proscribed organisation”?
This term denotes a group that has been outlawed by the UK government under terrorism legislation, rendering it illegal to publicly endorse or promote it.
Was she engaged in any acts of criminal damage?
No, the authorities stated that her arrest was related to her sign, not to any vandalism committed by others.
