What happens when climate activism collides with counterterror laws?
On a quiet London street at dawn, that question played out with Greta Thunberg at the centre of it.
The 22-year-old activist was arrested in the City of London.
After joining a protest backing Palestine Action members currently on hunger strike in prison.
Video shared by organisers shows Thunberg holding a placard declaring support for the prisoners and opposing what she called “genocide.”
Hours later, police confirmed a woman of her age had been detained.
For displaying material in support of a proscribed organisation—an offence under the Terrorism Act.
Activism Under Scrutiny
So what sparked the protest? Demonstrators targeted offices linked, they claim, to an Israeli-associated defence firm.
Red paint was thrown. Hammers were used.
Two more people were arrested after gluing themselves nearby. “Inquiries are ongoing,” police said.
Palestine Action was outlawed earlier this year, making any public backing illegal.
But supporters argue the jailed activists are “political prisoners.”
Thunberg echoed that view on Instagram, urging the UK government to drop charges and release those refusing food—some for more than 50 days.
Seven hunger strikers have now been hospitalised. Lawyers are threatening legal action against the justice secretary.
The bigger question lingers: when protest becomes a crime, who decides where activism ends and extremism begins?
