Netherlands arrests more than 1,500 climate activists
Climate activists blocked parts of a highway in The Hague in protest against Dutch subsidies for fossil fuels.
More than 1,500 people were arrested during a demonstration by climate group Extinction Rebellion in The Hague, the Dutch police reported.
Activists blocked part of a highway in the center of the city on Saturday in protest against Dutch subsidies for fossil fuels.
Police said they had used water cannons to disperse activists blocking a main road in the city and arrested “a total of 1,579 people … 40 of them will be prosecuted” on charges including vandalism.
We will not stop fighting for climate justice 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/3OImzB1hUv
— Extinction Rebellion The Hague (@XRTeHague) May 27, 2023
One of the activists bit a police officer during his arrest, police said.
Several well-known Dutch people were among the demonstrators, including Carice van Houten, best known for her role as Melisandre in the popular TV series Game of Thrones.
The Dutch news agency ANP reported that she was arrested but was later allowed to return home.
It did not specify whether she was among those to be prosecuted.
The protests were the seventh organized by Extinction Rebellion in this part of The Hague, but according to the ANP the highest number of people arrested so far.
The environmental campaign group has gained media attention in recent years for disruptions, hitting roads, airports and other public transport networks with direct action protests against climate change.
Last month, it kicked off four days of action in London, promising less disruption and more inclusion than the mass blockades that have become its trademark.