Greta Thunberg Detained in London for Supporting Palestine, Campaign Group Claims

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained by police in London during a pro-Palestine protest, according to the UK-based campaign group Defend Our Jurie. The group claims she was arrested under the Terrorism Act while participating in the "Prisoners for Palestine" rally outside Aspen Insurance's London offices. The arrest sparked concerns over freedom of speech and democracy, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski writing on social media that peaceful protest is being criminalized. "When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in trouble," he said, criticizing the UK government. A video shared by Polanski appears to show Thunberg holding a sign opposing genocide before a police officer removes it and detains her. However, the authenticity of the video could not be verified. The campaign group Defend Our Jurie targeted Aspen Insurance, which provides services to the Israeli-linked defence firm Elbit Systems, according to a statement. Two people were arrested for allegedly vandalizing a building, while a police spokesperson said Thunberg was detained for displaying a placard in support of a proscribed organization, Palestine Action, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The incident has raised questions about the limits of free speech and the UK's counter-terrorism laws. The police spokesperson's statement suggests that supporting a proscribed organization can be considered a crime, even if it's done through peaceful means.