Norway. Extinction Rebellion’s punches, 29 arrests

Trespassing at the Oil Ministry, blocking of a major road junction… Activists from Extinction Rebellion carried out the first of a series of punches announced against the policy on Monday petroleum Norwegian in Oslo in Norway, leading to 29 arrests.

Sometimes disguised as polar bears or disturbing black figures, dozens of activists blocked the entrance to the Ministry of Oil and Energy behind a banner “Ban oil, life before profits”, some breaking into the building.

At the same time, other activists have temporarily blocked traffic at an important crossroads in the Norwegian capital.

Actions throughout the week

Citing the climate emergency, Extinction Rebellion calls for the end of oil exploration and the gradual dismantling of black gold production in the Scandinavian country, the largest exporter of hydrocarbons in Western Europe.

Civil disobedience actions are announced for the whole week in Oslo and others started the same day for 15 days in London, where thousands of activists gathered in Trafalgar Square.

Norwegian police have announced 29 arrests of activists who refused to evacuate the roads.

“We will stay here as long as our requests have not been met”, assured over the phone to theAFP Jenny Jaeger, 21-year-old activist occupying the reception room of the Ministry of Petroleum where she was preparing to spend the night.

Fossil fuel glaze

In a report released on August 9, UN climate experts (IPCC) decreed a “Red alert for humanity”with global warming turning out to be worse and faster than feared so far.

If the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, considered that this report “Tolls the knell” fossil fuels, Norway continues to award licenses for oil exploration in its waters.

“We will deliver energy to the world as long as the demand is there”, oil minister Tina Bru said in June. “The government will therefore maintain an oil policy that facilitates profitable production of oil and gas under Norwegian climate policy.”

Anti-democratic methods, according to the Minister of Petroleum

On Monday, Tina Bru, who says she shares protesters’ concerns, judged their methods anti-democratic.

“This group says democracy is the problem and wants to shift power from democratically elected bodies to what they themselves consider appropriate”, according to her.

“The moment is so critical that it is our last resort”, defended Jenny Jaeger.

The future of oil is at the heart of the legislative campaign of September 13 in Norway, where some – small – parties are also calling for an end to oil exploitation.

– .