Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested on Tuesday, December 23, in London during a protest organized in support of Palestine Action. The demonstration, held outside a courthouse, called for the release of prisoners and an end to what activists describe as political repression. Thunberg was seen holding a placard reading 'Free the Prisoners' before being taken away by police. The arrests were confirmed by the groups Defend Our Juries and Prisoners for Palestine, who stated that Thunberg was among several demonstrators detained.
This incident marks the latest in a series of high-profile actions Thunberg has taken in 2025. In October, she was detained by Israeli authorities after participating in the 'Global Sumud Flotilla,' a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver food, medicine, and solar panels to Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy about 220 kilometers off the coast, and Thunberg, along with over 400 other activists, was held temporarily before being expelled back to Europe. Her detention drew international attention, with supporters decrying what they called the criminalization of humanitarian aid.
Earlier in the year, in August, Thunberg blockaded the main entrance of Norway's largest oil refinery in Mongstad, alongside 200 other environmentalists. The action aimed to pressure Norway to phase out its oil and gas industry, which Thunberg has long criticized as incompatible with climate goals. She was also involved in a protest in Oslo in August, where activists blocked a major street to highlight Norway's continued investment in fossil fuels. These actions are part of Thunberg's broader strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience to demand urgent climate action.
Thunberg's activism in 2025 has increasingly intersected with geopolitical issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, arguing that climate justice cannot be separated from other forms of oppression. In September, she helped lead the 'Global Sumud Flotilla' from Barcelona, with a fleet of dozens of boats carrying aid for Gaza. The mission was delayed by drone attacks and adverse weather, but Thunberg remained committed, stating, 'We will continue until the blockade is lifted.'
Her involvement in the Gaza flotilla drew both praise and criticism. Supporters hailed her as a moral leader willing to risk her safety for humanitarian principles. Critics accused her of being manipulated by political factions and of diverting attention from climate issues. Thunberg has consistently argued that all struggles are interconnected, and that the fossil fuel economy often fuels conflicts. She has also faced backlash from some Jewish organizations who claim her rhetoric on Gaza has strayed into anti-Semitism—allegations she firmly denies.
Born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Thunberg was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which she has described as a 'gift' that allows her to see things clearly. She began her climate activism in 2018 at age 15, skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament. Her solo strike evolved into the global 'Fridays for Future' movement, mobilizing millions of students worldwide. She has addressed the United Nations, met with world leaders, and inspired a generation to demand climate action. Her blunt, data-driven speeches have made her a polarizing figure, but also one of the most recognized activists of the 21st century.
Thunberg's 2025 activities continue a pattern of escalating commitment. In June, a previous flotilla attempt was intercepted, leading to the detention of several activists. Thunberg then used her platform to amplify the stories of those held, calling for their release and for an end to what she termed 'Israel's illegal blockade'. She also participated in a solidarity action in France, where she joined a protest against the construction of a new oil terminal. Despite the growing legal risks, Thunberg has shown no signs of backing down.
The London arrest on December 23 is part of a coordinated campaign by Palestine Action, a group that targets companies and institutions allegedly complicit in Israeli occupation. Thunberg's presence lent significant media attention to the protest. Police reported that the demonstration was peaceful but that a small number of participants refused to disperse, leading to arrests. Thunberg was released later that evening without charge, but the incident has reignited debate about the limits of protest and the role of celebrities in political movements.
Thunberg's evolution from a lone school striker to a global figure involved in humanitarian flotillas and direct actions against the oil industry shows a deepening of her political analysis. She has increasingly linked climate change to colonialism, militarism, and corporate power. In interviews, she has said that 'the climate crisis is a crisis of injustice' and that 'we cannot solve it without addressing the root causes of exploitation.' This perspective has attracted a diverse coalition of supporters, including Palestinians, indigenous groups, and labor unions.
As 2025 draws to a close, Thunberg's arrest in London adds to a year of intense activism. She has faced multiple legal challenges, including fines for civil disobedience in Sweden and Norway, but has consistently refused to pay them, declaring that 'the real crime is the destruction of our planet.' Her actions continue to inspire and polarize, but they have undeniably kept the focus on climate justice and its connections to global conflicts. With the COP30 summit approaching in 2026, Thunberg's voice will likely be heard again, demanding not just political commitments but real systemic change.
The pattern of her activism in 2025—from the flotilla to the refinery blockade to the London protest—reflects a strategic choice to target the intersections of fossil fuels, militarism, and state violence. Thunberg has argued that governments that fund wars and prop up oil industries are complicit in both climate breakdown and humanitarian crises. She has called for a just transition to renewable energy, compensation for climate damages, and an end to all subsidies for fossil fuels. Her message remains consistent, even as the tactics evolve.
Looking back at the year, Thunberg's involvement in the Gaza flotilla was perhaps the most dramatic. She spent weeks at sea, enduring rough weather and the threat of interception. When Israeli forces boarded the boats, she was photographed being led away, a moment that quickly went viral. After her release, she gave press conferences denouncing the interception as 'piracy' and calling on the international community to protect humanitarian missions. The incident prompted statements from several European governments, though no concrete action was taken.
In Norway, the blockade of the Mongstad refinery was another significant event. Thunberg and other activists chained themselves to the gates, preventing tankers from entering or leaving. Police used pepper spray and batons to clear the site, arresting over 100 people. The action was coordinated with similar protests in other countries, highlighting what activists call the 'Nordic paradox'—nations that present themselves as climate leaders while continuing to expand oil production. Thunberg has been particularly critical of Norway's sovereign wealth fund, which still invests in fossil fuels.
Thunberg's approach has evolved to include more coalition-building with social movements. During the flotilla, she worked alongside Palestinian activists, human rights lawyers, and former diplomats. She also participated in a webinar series called 'Climate and Conflict,' where she discussed the links between resource extraction and war. Her social media presence, particularly on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), remains a powerful tool for mobilizing supporters and sharing updates from the ground.
Despite the controversies, Thunberg's base of support remains strong. Polls consistently show high approval among young people in Europe, and her 'Fridays for Future' movement continues to hold weekly strikes in many cities. However, some critics argue that her shift towards Middle East politics has alienated potential allies. Others point out that her visibility brings much-needed attention to causes that are often ignored by mainstream media. Thunberg herself has said she does not care about popularity, only about effectiveness.
As the year ends, Thunberg is reportedly planning new actions for 2026. She has hinted at a global week of action focused on 'fossil fuel non-proliferation,' modeled on nuclear disarmament treaties. She is also expected to testify at climate hearings at the International Court of Justice, which is considering the legal obligations of states to prevent climate change. Her arrest in London may result in a court date early next year, which Thunberg has said she will use to further highlight what she sees as the criminality of political inaction.
In summary, Greta Thunberg's 2025 has been a year of escalation—both in the intensity of her activism and in the personal risks she has taken. From the London arrest to the Gaza flotilla to the Norwegian refinery blockade, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of nonviolent protest to draw attention to the interconnectivity of climate, justice, and peace. Whether one agrees with her tactics or not, her ability to sustain global attention on these issues is remarkable. As the climate crisis deepens and geopolitical tensions rise, Thunberg remains a singular figure: a young woman who refuses to sit quietly while the world burns.
Source: Ouest-France.fr News