Netherlands police arrest hundreds of climate activists

Protesters block A12 road in The Hague, calling for end to subsidies; vow to continue until government takes action.

Police in the Netherlands arrested hundreds of climate activists in the Hague who were protesting and blocking the main road leading to parliament and demanding an end to fossil fuel use, according to Anadolu Agency. 

Organised by the Extinction Rebellion environmental group, demonstrators gathered despite police barriers, blocking the last section of A12, the entrance to the city, causing traffic disruptions on connecting routes.

Protesters, advocating for the cessation of oil, coal and gas usage, criticised the government's fossil fuel policies. Carrying banners and signs that read: "Stop fossil fuel subsidies", "Climate is full", and "I stand here for my children," demonstrators staged a sit-in on the road.

The activists announced they would continue road closure protests until the government lifts fossil fuel subsidies.

Environmental activist Yolanda Schuur told Anadolu that they demand an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

Schuur pointed out that the cessation of fossil fuel subsidies has not yet occurred. "Fossil fuel subsidies amount to approximately 46.5 billion per year.

“The phased plan to end them should have been presented to the House of Representatives at the end of last year, but we are still waiting for it," she said.

Highlighting the worsening climate crisis, Schuur stated: "We will return to the A12 main road and sit there until fossil fuel subsidies are lifted."