Sit-in blockade for the climate: Greta Thunberg arrested during demonstration

Brussels (Belgium) - The Swedish activist Greta Thunberg (21) has been arrested at a climate demonstration in Brussels.

Together with other climate activists, Greta Thunberg (21) blocked a street in Brussels. Police officers then intervened.
Together with other climate activists, Greta Thunberg (21) blocked a street in Brussels. Police officers then intervened.  © Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The 21-year-old took part in a sit-in blockade on Saturday afternoon with around 150 other activists, according to the Belgian news agency Belga. The police took Thunberg away.

More than 100 people were arrested, according to a spokesperson for the United for Climate Justice (UCJ) campaign. They were released again in the evening. The demonstrators called for the fight against climate change and an end to subsidies for fossil fuels.

Greta Thunberg has already been temporarily detained several times. The Swede became known worldwide for her "school strike for the climate". Her protest action gave rise to the international climate movement Fridays for Future.

Since the Islamist Hamas attack on Israel a year ago and Israel's subsequent military action in the Gaza Strip, she has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and accused Israel of genocide.

Greta Thunberg and dozens of other protesters were arrested during the sit-in.
Greta Thunberg and dozens of other protesters were arrested during the sit-in.  © Wiktor Dabkowski/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Climate icon Greta Thunberg also receives a lot of criticism

Critics also accuse Thunberg of taking a one-sided pro-Palestinian stance during the Gaza war and the events that triggered it.

She wore a Palestinian scarf at the protest in Brussels.