Webdesk: According to Dutch police, nearly 1,500 people arrested during an Extinction Rebellion climate protest in The Hague.
In the afternoon, demonstrators blocked a freeway to oppose Dutch fossil fuel subsidies. Police used water cannons to disperse the protesters and arrested 1,579 people. 40 people—including vandals—will prosecuted.
Extinction Rebellion stated that 7,000 people attended the event, demonstrating widespread concern about climate change. Protesters on the A12 motorway wore bikinis or carried umbrellas in anticipation of water cannons. Their demands and climate awareness represented on banners and signs.
This was Extinction Rebellion’s seventh motorway protest near The Hague’s parliament and important ministry buildings. According to Dutch news agency ANP, this demonstration had the most arrests.
Anne Kerevers, a 31-year-old postgraduate student, said, “We’re going to stay here until they drag us away.” Kerevers stressed that climate change is a known crisis that the government should stop subsidizing. Other climate demonstrators shared her views.
The event included Dutch superstars including Carice van Houten, known for her role as Melisandre in “Game of Thrones.” Van Houten posted a water cannon-soaked Instagram video of herself in a red poncho. She arrested but released without charges, according to reports.
Police said they gave protestors multiple chances to halt their protest before using water cannons and arresting them. Moreover, Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Aaron Pereira noted the exponential growth of demonstrators at each march, showing widespread support for meaningful climate action. Pereira criticized the government for subsidizing fossil fuels against public opinion.
Over the years, Extinction Rebellion has known for its disruptive and attention-grabbing tactics. While, Their direct-action protests have disrupted roads, airports, and other public transport networks and raised awareness of climate change. In January, the group paused its high-profile stunts but promised to mobilize big crowds to oppose government inaction on global warming.
