Today it is exactly two years ago that 57 people were arrested after a protest by farmers near Attero. After the demonstration had ended, they had gathered on private property, at a nearby contractor. The farm where the protesters, including many families with children, were, was then surrounded by police and riot police. Children were also arrested and taken to the detention center in Assen.
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Back to today. There were about fifteen tractors on the access roads this morning, but it has become increasingly crowded during the day. The blockage of the roads has caused considerable traffic jams, where several trucks are waiting. Despite the letter from the municipality, the farmers continue to demonstrate in the area.
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It is not the first time that farmers have blocked the access roads to the farm. That already happened last week. Farmers see the company, and the waste processing sector, as an important emitter of nitrogen.
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Attero says he understands that the farmers want to express their dissatisfaction, but that this is an inappropriate way. “During the coronalockdown, we did not fall under the vital sector for nothing,” says a spokesperson on behalf of the company, who also points out the public function of the company.
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At Attero, waste from all over the Netherlands, and sometimes also from abroad, is collected and processed. “Where should that go now? This blockage is undesirable. We hope that the road will be reopened as soon as possible.”
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