HAGUE: Dutch police officials said that over 1,500 activists were arrested during a protest of a climate group in The Hague on Saturday. Reports said that the protest was staged by the Extinction Rebellion climate group in the city. The protestors blocked the motorway in protest against Holland’s vestige fuel subsidies.
Over 1,500 Climate Activists Including “Game of Thrones” Actress Arrested
Police added they had also used water cannon to disperse protestors blocking a key road in the city and arrested as many 1,579 protestors. Police said that 40 people will be prosecuted on charges of vandalism. Police said that one of the protestors also bit a cop during his arrest. However, the group said that as many as 7,000 protestors gathered to join the protest demonstration.
Dutch news agency ANP reported that Saturday saw the highest number of protestors arrested at a protest. A protestor said that climate change is a major challenge and criticized the government for ignoring the challenge.
Several celebrities were also among the protesters, including Carice van Houten best known for her role in “Game of Thrones”. She posted a video on social media showing herself during the protest. Local media reported that the star was arrested and later permitted to return home.
Police told the media they had repeatedly asked the protestors to end the protest before using the water cannon. In recent years the climate group has caused huge disruption, hitting airports, roads, and public transport networks with protests against climate change.
