Climate activist Greta Thunberg found herself in alarming conditions after being detained by Metropolitan Police during a protest against the oil and gas industry. The 20-year-old environmental campaigner was held for several hours in a London police facility reportedly struggling with a severe bedbug infestation.
The arrest occurred outside the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane, where the Energy Intelligence Forum was taking place. Thunberg joined dozens of protesters from Fossil Free London and other climate groups demonstrating against what they call the "Oscars of oil."
Protest Turns to Police Custody
Metropolitan Police officers moved in to clear the protest around 1:15 PM, arresting Thunberg and multiple other activists. Video footage showed the Swedish activist being escorted to a police van while fellow protesters chanted "shame on you" at officers.
Thunberg was transported to a central London police station where she remained in custody for approximately six hours before being released. During this time, she was reportedly held in facilities known to have ongoing issues with bedbugs.
Concerning Conditions in Custody
Sources within the police service have confirmed that the station where Thunberg was held has been battling persistent bedbug problems. One officer anonymously revealed that multiple custody suites have been temporarily closed due to infestations, creating operational challenges across the force.
"We've had to close several cells because of the situation," the officer disclosed. "It's been an ongoing issue that's proving difficult to fully resolve."
Climate Movement Responds
Fossil Free London released a statement condemning both the arrest and the conditions Thunberg faced in custody. "While oil executives wine and dine inside, those protesting their planet-destroying business are being arrested and held in appalling conditions," a spokesperson said.
The protest was part of a series of demonstrations targeting the Energy Intelligence Forum, which brings together major fossil fuel companies including Shell, Total, and Equinor. Climate activists argue such events facilitate deals that will accelerate climate catastrophe.
Thunberg's detention highlights the ongoing tensions between climate activists and authorities in London, particularly around protests targeting the fossil fuel industry. The revelation about bedbug-infested facilities has raised additional concerns about police station conditions amid budget constraints and maintenance issues.
