Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg arrested in London at pro-Palestine rally
Thunberg, 22, was arrested Tuesday in London under anti-terrorism legislation while attending a demonstration supporting imprisoned Palestine Action members.
December 23, 2025 - 09:25 AM ET • 2 min read
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested Tuesday in London during a demonstration in support of imprisoned members of Palestine Action, a group banned by the British government.
Thunberg, 22, was detained under Britain's anti-terrorism legislation, according to statements from organizers Defend Our Juries and Prisoners for Palestine. London police confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old woman for holding a placard in support of a banned organization, without initially naming her.
At the time of her arrest, Thunberg held a sign reading "I support the prisoners of Palestine Action. I oppose the genocide." Video footage shared on social media showed a police officer kneeling to speak with Thunberg as she sat on the ground holding the placard.
The rally was organized to show solidarity with eight members of Palestine Action who have been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 50 days, according to organizers. These detainees are being held in pre-trial detention in the United Kingdom and are protesting their legal and prison conditions. Palestine Action was banned by the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer several months ago.
Palestine Action is known for civil disobedience actions and for publicizing links between London and Israel in the context of events in Gaza. According to sources, members of the organization have never been charged with attacks against people.
Thunberg has been arrested on previous occasions. In October 2025, she was deported from Israel after participating in a vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was traveling to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.