Tue Dec 23 14:09:02 UTC 2025: News Article:

Greta Thunberg Arrested at London Protest Against Insurer of Israeli Arms Maker Elbit Systems

London, UK – Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London on Tuesday, along with two other individuals, during a pro-Palestine protest targeting Aspen Insurance, a company that provides coverage for Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. The demonstration, organized to show solidarity with hunger-striking activists from the group Palestine Action, took place in London’s financial district.

Thunberg was arrested for displaying a placard “in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000”, according to City of London Police. Video footage showed the activist holding a sign that read, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide,” referencing Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Thunberg has been vocal in her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, previously participating in flotilla campaigns aimed at breaking the siege.

The City of London Police also confirmed the arrest of a man and a woman who had “glued themselves nearby” to the Aspen Insurance building on Fenchurch Street, allegedly causing damage using “hammers and red paint.” Defend Our Juries reported that the activists used repurposed fire extinguishers to cover the building’s front with symbolic blood-red paint. The group claims this action was to highlight Aspen Insurance’s “complicity in genocide” and disrupt their business, aiming to close the building down.

Palestine Action has been officially proscribed as a “terrorist organisation” by the UK government. Six of its members are currently on hunger strike in British prisons, with two now hospitalized. The protesters’ demands include the closure of Elbit Systems UK factories, one of which was targeted last year.

Defend Our Juries said that Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister David Lammy has “refused to speak to legal representatives of the hunger-strikers, or their families”.

A Palestine Action spokesperson questioned whether the police had misinterpreted the ban on Palestine Action, suggesting it was unclear if supporting prisoners who took action to “stop a genocide” made someone an alleged terrorist.

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