Protesters against climate change block a Dutch roadway as police strike

In the Netherlands, climate activists staged their latest protest against government subsidies for fossil fuels on Saturday by blocking a busy thoroughfare.

During lunchtime, about 500 protestors marched across a highway leading into The Hague, the Dutch government’s headquarters, with police presence limited due to a strike.

Protesters held signs that read “Action Now” and “Stop Fossil Subsidies” as they yelled, “The oceans are rising and so are we,” accompanied by drums.

A few demonstrators indicated that they intended to stay overnight by bringing camping chairs and erecting tents there.

According to a government study from the previous year, industrial businesses enjoy tax advantages totaling more than 39 billion euros ($43.2 billion) in fossil fuel subsidies. The anti-climate group Extinction Rebellion has sworn to keep up the demonstrations until subsidies are eliminated.

Over the past year, the same spot on the A12 highway has been the site of more than a dozen rallies coordinated by the group. In the past, police have arrested demonstrators who refuse to leave and physically removed them after a few hours.

The length of the demonstration was unclear, though, given the majority of police were on strike over a pension disagreement until 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) on Saturday.

In a statement, the City of The Hague noted that demonstrators are asked to relocate to a sizable field close by as obstructing the highway is prohibited.

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