Greta Thunberg arrested by UK police over support for 'Palestine Action prisoners'
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by UK police on Tuesday after holding up a placard reading "I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide".
Thunberg was partaking in a demonstration outside the offices of Aspen Insurance in central London at the time.
City of London Police said a woman, 22, had been arrested for displaying a placard in support of proscribed organisation, Palestine Action, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Palestine Action, a direct action group, has been proscribed by the UK government since July. Hundreds of people in the UK have been arrested since then for expressing support for the group.
A video from the scene showed police taking the placard off Thunberg, who is sat on the floor, and inspecting the wording.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Further footage showed the activist stood up and told by an officer "We'll go to the van".
Another officer says "There's no point us holding your arm and moving you along," in an attempt to encourage her to go to a nearby police van. Thunberg responds: "I said I'm staying here."
The protest on Tuesday targeted Aspen Insurance, organisers said, because it provides services to Elbit Systems UK - one of Israel's biggest weapons contractors.
The action was carried out in solidarity with six prisoners who have been on hunger strike over their treatment and the proscription of Palestine Action.
The first two prisoners to join the hunger strike are now on their 52nd day - at a critical stage where there is risk of death.
More to follow