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Extinction Rebellion blocks A12 motorway in The Hague
Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists blocked the A12 motorway and its access roads in The Hague on Saturday afternoon. The unannounced demonstration began around 14:00, causing significant traffic disruption as motorists attempted to bypass the blockade by driving on sidewalks or through medians.
Mayor Jan van Zanen ordered the immediate evacuation of the site, prompting police to remove demonstrators. Some activists were carried by officers to buses to be transported out of the city. While the exact number of arrests remains unconfirmed, the blockade was cleared by approximately 15:45.
The protest follows a fatal accident on the A59 the previous day, which was caused by a traffic jam involving farmer tractors. While XR representatives stated they considered the implications of the recent tragedy, they proceeded with the action, asserting that the climate crisis is too urgent to ignore. The group is calling for a parliamentary debate on drought and heat in the Netherlands.
Local political leaders from the Hart voor Den Haag and CDA parties condemned the action, labeling it dangerous, irresponsible, and polarizing.
Entities
A12 · Coen Bom · Extinction Rebellion · Jan van Zanen · The Hague
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police officers carried demonstrators to buses to remove them from the highway. www.omroepwest.nl · nos.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] The protest was unannounced and not permitted by the municipality. www.omroepwest.nl · nos.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Some activists canceled their participation due to a fatal accident on the A59 the previous day. www.omroepwest.nl · nos.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Activists are demanding a parliamentary debate regarding drought and heat in the Netherlands. nos.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Extinction Rebellion activists blocked the A12 motorway in The Hague on Saturday afternoon. www.omroepwest.nl · zoetermeersdagblad.nl · nos.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The CDA party described the blockade as dangerous and irresponsible. zoetermeersdagblad.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Mayor of The Hague ordered the evacuation of the demonstrators. www.omroepwest.nl · zoetermeersdagblad.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Hart voor Den Haag party criticized the blockade as a disgusting action. zoetermeersdagblad.nl