Activist Greta Thunberg arrested in London for supporting outlawed pro-Palestinian group

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has once again been arrested – this time in London – for calmly sitting with a sign in support of the Palestine Action prisoners. Her sign read: “I support Palestine Action Prisoners. I oppose genocide.”

Though her message and action may seem innocuous, the group was banned in July 2025 under section 5.3 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which states: “The UK Government assesses that Palestine Action commits and participates in acts of terrorism. In several attacks, Palestine Action has committed acts of serious damage to property with the aim of progressing its political cause and influencing the Government.”

Palestine Action is described in the legislation as employing “direct criminal action tactics,” such as breaking into an Elbit Systems factory in Bristol, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, and attacking police with axes and sledgehammers in August 2024.

A police sergeant in the UK is unable to sleep, drive, or even dress herself after a Palestine Action activist bashed her in the back with a sledgehammer.

This morning, Rashida Tlaib voiced her concern over members of this group being detained.
pic.twitter.com/Zmr2DBqWrQ

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) December 7, 2025

Of the eight prisoners arrested, four are accused of burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder in connection with the Elbit factory break-in, while the other four are awaiting trial over allegations that they caused millions of pounds’ worth of damage to military jets after breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June.

Six of the suspects, Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello – all aged between 20 and 31 – have been on hunger strike since November, although some have dropped out, leaving only three with Chiaramello as a fourth, eating every other day. The group insists that the government ban should be lifted, and is demanding the closure of the Elbit factory and an audience with British Justice Secretary David Lammy. 

Lawyers for the group have issued a warning letter, saying they will ask the High Court to review Lammy's refusal to meet with their representatives if they do not receive a reply by 2 p.m. GMT today (Tuesday), adding that prison service policies require staff to “make every effort” to understand and address the reasons that the prisoners on hunger strike are refuting to eat.

Those on a hunger strike have received considerable media attention and public sympathy in the UK. On Sunday, a large rally took place outside the Ministry of Justice on behalf of the group, supported by prominent Swedish activist Thunberg.

The Terrorism Act details some of the activities that resulted in the group being proscribed as a terrorist organization, saying, “Since its inception in 2020, Palestine Action has orchestrated a nationwide campaign of direct criminal action against businesses and institutions, including key national infrastructure and defence firms that provide services and supplies to support Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), “Five Eyes” allies and the UK defence enterprise.”

It adds, “Palestine Action has also broadened its targets from the defence industry to include financial firms, charities, universities and government buildings. Its activity has increased in frequency and severity since the start of 2024 and its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence.” 

Bodycam footage of Palestine Action activists attacking police has been released, showing some of the violent tactics that led to the group being formally banned. One policewoman, Sgt. Kate Evans, suffered a fractured lumbar spine after allegedly being hit in the back with a sledgehammer by one of the male activists, according to the BBC. 

In a statement following the attack, Evans said she experienced "severe pain" in her back and legs, and needed help with basic tasks like getting in the shower or into bed, and was unable to drive or sleep.

Family members of the prisoner Hoxha (29) say that she is struggling to stand and has left instructions for doctors in case she collapses or dies due to the hunger strike. Ahmed (28), also held on remand, said he fears death daily but considers dying for the cause “worth it,” according to The Jerusalem Post.

The high-profile arrest of 22-year-old Thunberg comes at a time of significant tension in Britain’s capital following multiple attacks on the Jewish community throughout the Hanukkah holiday, together with large pro-Palestinian protests.