1579 environmentalists who blocked the highway in the Netherlands were arrested
Thousands of people gathered with the organization of the environmental group called “Extinction Rebellion”, blocked the last section of the A12, the entrance to the city, causing the interruption of traffic on the connecting roads.
The protesters, who demanded an end to the use of oil, coal and gas, criticized the government’s fossil fuel policy.
Protesters held a long roadside sit-in, holding banners reading “Stop subsidizing the fossil fuel industry,” “Be kind to the world,” and “Don’t be a fossil, stupid.”
“WE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE FOSSIL SUBSCRIPTION IS REMOVED”
Environmental activist Peter Boers told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the Dutch government gives too many subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.
Stating that the government provides around €17 billion in subsidies, Boers said: “We can invest €17 billion in sustainability instead of giving away fossil fuels. It will make a big difference if the subsidies are removed.” saying.
Emphasizing that they took action because they wanted the government to stop subsidizing the fossil fuel industry, Boers said: “We are closing the A12 road because the Dutch Parliament is in The Hague. We will continue until fossil fuel subsidies are removed. I hope this happens soon.” he used the phrase.
Jeltje Kok, one of the protesters, also pointed out that the country has created pollution and stench due to the fossil fuel industry.
Kok said: “What is the government doing? It gives gifts to the industries and the airline since they do not have to pay taxes for their energy consumption. With our action, we want to give the following message to the Dutch government. We will sit here until the fossil subsidy is lifted.” he said.
Environmentalist Maarten, who did not want to give his last name, said: “Companies that buy fossil fuels are given a lot of money. We want the government to tax fossil fuels because fossil fuels pollute the environment a lot. This is the biggest problem in the world right now and it’s getting bigger. Timely intervention is required.” he voiced his reaction.
1579 ARREST
The police, who warned that the place where the action was taking place had been declared a prohibited zone for the demonstration, began to interfere with the demonstrators from the beginning of the protest.
Police, who sprayed protesters with water cannons, detained those who did not leave the road and its surroundings despite warnings, and took them out of the area with public buses. Some activists who tied themselves up also left with shears to cut iron.
The Hague police said in a statement on Twitter that 1,579 people were detained.
The statement also shared the information that a police officer was bitten during the detention of an activist and that the injured policeman continues to be treated.
The Extinction Rebellion group, which closed the last section of the A12 highway at the entrance to the city of The Hague 6 times, took action by closing the same road on March 12 and hundreds of people were arrested. (AA)