Climate activists have blocked parts of a motorway in The Hague to protest Dutch subsidies for fossil fuels.
Dutch police say more than 1,500 people have been arrested at a demonstration by the Extinction Rebellion climate group in The Hague.
Activists blocked a stretch of motorway in the city center on Saturday to protest Dutch subsidies for fossil fuels.
Police said they used water cannons to disperse activists who blocked a major road in the city and arrested “a total of 1,579 people … 40 of whom will be prosecuted” for crimes including vandalism.
We will not stop fighting for climate justice 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/3OImzB1hUv
– Extinction Rebellion Hague (@XRTheHague) May 27, 2023
One of the activists bit an officer during the arrest, police said.
Several Dutch celebrities were among the protesters, including Karis van Houten, known for her portrayal of Melisandre on the hit TV series “Game of Thrones.”
Dutch news agency ANP reported that she was allowed to return home after her arrest.
It did not specify whether she was among those who would be charged.
The protest marked the seventh organized by Extinction Rebellion in this part of The Hague, but also the largest number of arrests to date, according to the ANP.
In recent years, environmental campaigning groups have garnered media attention by vandalizing and attacking roads, airports and other public transport networks in direct protest against climate change.
It began a four-day operation in London last month, promising to be less disruptive and more inclusive than the mass lockdowns that have become its trademark.
