Prisoners for Palestine confirms that international climate and human rights activist Greta Thunberg was arrested this morning by City of London Police while demonstrating in solidarity with imprisoned activists currently on hunger strike.
BREAKING: Greta Thunberg has been arrested in London after addressing protesters at a demonstration against oil and gas.
Julia: “She’s always arrested! Most of us have to have a job and go to work everyday.”@JuliaHB1 pic.twitter.com/rV3MECmquB
— Talk (@TalkTV) October 17, 2023
The Arrest
Ms. Thunberg, 22, was detained on Fenchurch Street while holding a placard that read, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners” and “I oppose genocide.” According to police statements, she was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organization. She has since been released on bail.
“I am here to support the political prisoners who are risking their lives to stop a genocide,” Ms. Thunberg stated in a video message prior to her arrest. “The UK government must meet their demands and end the criminalization of those standing against the arms trade.”
Crisis at Fenchurch Street
The early-morning demonstration targeted the offices of Aspen Insurance, a firm that Prisoners for Palestine identifies as a key service provider for Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest private defense contractor. During the action:
- Two activists were arrested for criminal damage after using red paint and hammers to symbolize the bloodshed in Gaza.
- Specialist police units were deployed to remove protesters who had glued themselves to the site.
Hunger Strike Reaches Critical Stage
The protest follows the alarming medical deterioration of several Palestine Action activists who have been on hunger strike since November 2. Seven prisoners have now been hospitalized.
Among those in critical condition are:
- Amu Gib (30): Hospitalized from HMP Bronzefield after 52 days without food. Reports indicate she is now reliant on a wheelchair.
- Kamran Ahmed (28): Admitted to hospital from HMP Pentonville within the last week.
Legal Action Against the Ministry of Justice
In response to the government’s handling of the strike, a legal firm representing the hunger strikers submitted a pre-action letter on Monday to Justice Secretary David Lammy. The letter signals the group’s intent to initiate formal legal proceedings regarding the health and human rights of the detainees.
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“The use of anti-terror legislation to arrest a globally recognized activist for holding a sign is a desperate attempt to silence the movement against the arms trade,” said a spokesperson for Prisoners for Palestine. “While the government focuses on arrests, our friends are dying in their cells. We demand their immediate release.”
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