The 22-year-old Swedish activist was at a rally in London to support multiple members of the banned group, who are currently in prison and have been on a hunger strike since November 2nd, Sky News reports.
London police say Thunberg was arrested for holding a placard in support of the banned organization Palestine Action, in violation of the UK's terrorism laws.
The demonstration was said to have taken place in support of members of Palestine Action who have been on hunger strike in custody for several weeks. According to Sky News, Thunberg could be seen holding a sign that read "I support the prisoners from Palestine Action. I am against genocide."
Why was this a violation of terrorism laws?
Palestine Action has been considered a terrorist group in the UK since early July, when parliament banned the group under terror legislation. The decision came after activists broke into a British air force base and vandalised two tankers.
Critics have condemned this as an attack on freedom of expression and supporters of the organisation have staged a series of protests across the UK. It remains illegal to join the group or publicly express support for it.
Will Thunberg be jailed?
There are several ongoing legal proceedings against people who showed support for the organization by holding up a sign with the same message as the one Greta Thunberg held up. These cases could could result in six months in prison, according to the BBC, but there has not yet been sentencing.
Terrorism researcher Magnus Ranstorp says that it is difficult to speculate on what legal penalties Greta Thunberg risks. But in general, the punishment range can vary from fines to long prison sentences.
"There could be serious consequences, the British are strict about these things. But it is difficult to say exactly what it could result in without looking at similar cases," says Ranstorp
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