Greta Thunberg, the renowned climate activist, was detained twice by Dutch police during a protest against fossil fuel subsidies in The Hague. The protest, organized by the Extinction Rebellion environmental group (XR), aimed to draw attention to the urgent need to address climate change and end subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.
The protest began with hundreds of demonstrators, including Greta Thunberg, marching from The Hague’s city center towards the A12 arterial highway. This highway serves as a crucial link between major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. The protesters carried XR flags and placards with messages like “Stop fuel subsidies now!” and “The planet is dying!”, highlighting their demands for immediate action on climate change.
Upon reaching the A12 highway, the protesters encountered a heavy police presence, including officers on horseback, who blocked their access to the road. The police warned of potential use of force if the protesters attempted to enter the highway, leading to a tense standoff between the demonstrators and law enforcement.
Despite the police intervention, some activists managed to find an alternative route and block a main road adjacent to the highway. Greta Thunberg was among those who sat down on the road in protest. When asked about the possibility of police action and arrest, Thunberg remained undeterred, stating, “Why should I be?”
However, Thunberg was eventually arrested by police and taken to a waiting touring bus along with other activists. She emphasized that her focus was on the climate crisis, stating, “It’s not about the arrest. I am here for the climate.”
Although the activists were briefly detained and later released, Thunberg and some demonstrators returned to the protest site and were arrested again, this time for blocking a nearby traffic intersection. The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the detentions but stated that no charges had been laid at that point.
The protest highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and the need to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Despite widespread support for such measures, activists expressed frustration that concrete actions were not being taken swiftly enough by authorities.
The arrest of Greta Thunberg and the ongoing protests underscored the determination of climate activists to push for immediate and substantial changes in policies regarding fossil fuels and environmental protection.
Sources By Agencies
