Key Takeaways
- Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London for displaying a placard in support of the proscribed organization Palestine Action.
- The arrest was made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits the display of items in support of banned organizations.
- Thunberg was attending a demonstration in support of Palestine Action hunger strikers, who are demanding an end to the UK hosting weapons factories that supply arms to Israel.
- The hunger strikers are also calling for the de-proscription of Palestine Action, an end to mistreatment of prisoners in custody, and immediate bail.
- The UK government has refused to intervene in the case, stating that it will not meet with the prisoners and that the justice system is based on the separation of powers.
Introduction to the Arrest
Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London on Tuesday morning during a demonstration in support of Palestine Action hunger strikers. The 22-year-old activist was taken into custody by City of London Police for displaying a placard that read "I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide" outside the central London offices of Aspen Insurance. The company was targeted by the protesters because it provides services to Israeli-linked defense firm Elbit Systems.
The Protest and Hunger Strike
The protest was organized by the Prisoners for Palestine group, which has been supporting the hunger strikers who are currently in prison on remand. The hunger strikers, who are members of the banned group Palestine Action, have been on strike since November 2, demanding an end to the UK hosting weapons factories that supply arms to Israel. They are also calling for the de-proscription of Palestine Action, an end to mistreatment of prisoners in custody, and immediate bail. At least three of the initial hunger strikers have stopped their strike due to deteriorating health, but others are continuing.
Government Response
The UK government has refused to intervene in the case, stating that it will not meet with the prisoners and that the justice system is based on the separation of powers. Lord Timpson, the prisons minister, said that the prisoners are charged with serious offenses, including aggravated burglary and criminal damage, and that remand decisions are made by independent judges. He added that ministers will not intervene in ongoing legal cases, as it would be "entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate."
The Arrest and Charges
Thunberg’s arrest was made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits the display of items in support of banned organizations. A City of London Police spokesperson said that a 22-year-old woman was arrested for displaying a placard in support of a proscribed organization, and that she would be brought into police custody. Two other activists were also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after they sprayed red paint over the front of the building and glued themselves nearby.
Reaction and Ongoing Protests
The arrest of Thunberg has sparked widespread attention and condemnation from human rights groups and supporters of the Palestine Action movement. The Prisoners for Palestine group has vowed to continue their protests and hunger strikes, despite the arrest of Thunberg and other activists. The group has also called on the UK government to take action to address the demands of the hunger strikers, including an end to the UK’s hosting of weapons factories that supply arms to Israel.
Conclusion
The arrest of Greta Thunberg has brought attention to the ongoing protests and hunger strikes by Palestine Action members, who are demanding an end to the UK’s hosting of weapons factories that supply arms to Israel. The UK government’s refusal to intervene in the case has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for the government to take action to address the demands of the hunger strikers. As the protests and hunger strikes continue, it remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to the growing pressure to address the issue.
