Seven activists were arrested last night at the Sterrebos near Born. Six of them could not show ID. Police have cordoned off the area and are arresting anyone trying to get in or out.
Protesters are continuing their protest today, which started yesterday. They protest both in the forest and at the car factory VDL Nedcar, the owner of the forest. They want to prevent part of the forest from being cut down for the expansion of the factory.
Members of the action group Save the Sterrebos say they are not allowed to bring food or drink to their group members who are in the forest. This morning “a small group” tried to bring tea and sandwiches, they say. They were then stopped by security guards and later by the police.
“The fundamental rights of these peaceful activists are clearly being violated,” the group said. “We call on the mayor of Sittard to immediately allow the supply of food and water.”
‘Prevent extinction’
One of the activists in the forest, Maarten, says that they spent the night with about twenty people in hammocks between the trees. It’s cold and he doesn’t have any hot food, but he thinks he shouldn’t complain.
“It’s so important to fight for this forest, with 200-year-old trees and deer, bats and lizards living there. I can withstand some discomfort for that,” he says. “We must do everything we can to prevent extinction.”
Solidariteitsdemonstratie
Part of the forest may have to make way for the expansion of VDL. The car factory does not want demonstrations in the forest.
The municipality of Sittard-Geleen has designated the Mitsubishi Avenue, near the car factory, as a demonstration location. A solidarity demonstration will be held there at 11 a.m., the action group says.
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