NOS protesters on the A10 near the former ING headquarters
NOS News•today, 12.29pm•Changed today, 1.35pm
Climate protesters from Extinction Rebellion have entered the A10 highway in Amsterdam South. There they demonstrate against ING, which, as far as the climate action group is concerned, must stop “financing climate destruction”. Until 2014, the bank’s headquarters was located in a building near the highway.
The municipality of Amsterdam has banned the action at this location and stresses that it is “irresponsible” to demonstrate on the busy A10. The VU Medical Center is located next door, making the street an important route for ambulances. The route is also a busy hub to and from the rest of North Holland.
The highway was closed by the Rijkswaterstaat because protesters were already on the road at the De Nieuwe Meer intersection, close to where the activists had gathered. Traffic is diverted to other routes.
Police call the action life-threatening. “First of all, Rijkswaterstaat closes the road, we don’t. But a little further on, people initially entered the motorway, and this led to crossing the road. At that time it was not yet completely crossed. They have life – here yes it’s threatening antics. I think everyone understands how we as the police view this,” says a spokesperson. “But hey, it happened.”
The demonstrators sat on the road surface:
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Protesters sit on the highway
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Protesters from Germany also take part in the action
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The police positioned themselves along the entire width of the road
Police will now speak to protesters and then determine what further action to take. Protesters are asked to leave the street. “Go away, go home. This is not a prohibited demonstration, but it is a prohibited place.”
Accessibility
Mayor Halsema had designated a place next to the old ING office as a place where demonstrations were allowed. But such a pre-designated location is of “no importance” as far as Extinction Rebellion is concerned.
Extinction Rebellion says ambulances and other emergency services will be able to overcome the blockage. According to the police, ambulances can also use the fast lane in case of emergency. “But obviously VU employees and patients cannot use it,” says a spokesperson. “Apart from the accessibility problems of the entire city.” There are several officers and police cars to ensure safety.
Extinction Rebellion wants the bank to stop all financing of the fossil fuel industry. ING said last week it would stop financing oil and gas extraction by 2040, but the climate action group believes this is not enough to “ensure a liveable future”.
NOSO municipal activists can demonstrate on this green strip
2023-12-30 11:29:09
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