ANPAlso on September 19, a water cannon was deployed
NOS News•today, 10:15•Changed today, 11:49
Climate action group Extinction Rebellion (XR) is filing summary proceedings against the Dutch state to ban the use of water cannons in climate demonstrations on the A12 near The Hague.
The summons will be sent today or tomorrow, a spokesperson for the group told the ANP news agency. It will then be determined when the case will be filed.
According to lawyer Willem Jebbink of XR, the use of water cannons “against peaceful demonstrators is completely unnecessary and disproportionate”. “Protesters are sprayed with a strong jet, while they pose no threat or cause any danger. Water cannons are instruments of violence and are now causing victims,” says Jebbink.
He said demonstrators were “sprayed across the road surface” and suffered “bruises from the force of the beam”.
Daily block
XR has been taking action on the A12 highway near The Hague since September 9. With a daily blockade, the group wants to force the government to stop schemes that support the fossil industry. Demonstrating on the A12 is prohibited. The activists are allowed to protest on the Malieveld.
Yesterday, more than 300 activists were arrested on the A12. The police did not use water cannon at that time. That happened the day before. According to Jebbink, the beam was so loud that demonstrators had to use bags to protect their bodies. “The government must protect citizens who peacefully express their opinions. Not target them with unnecessary violence.”
2023-09-25 08:15:43
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