Greta Thunberg arrested after supporting Palestine Action hunger strikers
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been arrested on suspicion of supporting a terrorist organisation after taking part in a pro-Palestine protest.
The campaigner, 22, was handcuffed by police in Fenchurch Street in central London at a protest for hunger strikers who are in jail accused of taking part in Palestine Action raids.
She arrived at the demonstration with a sign reading ‘I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide’, according to the Prisoners for Palestine protest group said.
Her arrest came after two activists covered the offices of Aspen Insurance with red paint.
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The group claimed they targeted the company on Tuesday morning because they provide services to Israeli-linked defence firm Elbit Systems.
A City of London Police spokesperson said: ‘At around 7am this morning hammers and red paint were used to damage a building on Fenchurch Street.
‘A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
‘They glued themselves nearby and specialist officers are working to release them, and bring them into police custody.
‘A little while later, a 22-year-old woman also attended the scene. She has been arrested for displaying an item (in this case a placard) in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.’
Three hunger strikers have now ended their protests after nearly 50 days.
Qesser Zuhrah, 20, was hospitalised as she took part in the protest originally involving eight people while she awaits trial in HMP Bronzefield.
A legal letter sent to the government confirmed that she has ended her action, which had seen her transferred from the prison in Surrey to hospital after supporters including Zarah Sultana MP took up her case.
Two others had previously ended their actions as they await trial.
Lord Timpson, minister of state for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, has said that there are ‘longstanding procedures in place to ensure prisoner safety’ of hunger strikers.,
He added: ‘Prison healthcare teams provide NHS care and continuously monitor the situation.’
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