12 Oct 2019 | 04:08 PM UTC
Netherlands: Police arrest dozens following Extinction Rebellion protest in Amsterdam October 12
Police arrest 130 protesters in Amsterdam on October 12; heightened security presence, further protests, and disruptions possible over the near term
Event
Local authorities in Amsterdam announced on Saturday, October 12, that they had arrested 130 climate change activists following an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest that took place in the city earlier in the day. Protesters were reportedly blocking traffic in downtown Amsterdam. More than 200 protesters have been arrested over the past week amid climate change protests across the Netherlands.
A heightened security presence is expected in Amsterdam over the coming hours and days, and near all demonstrations across the country in the coming weeks. Lingering localized transportation and business disruptions are possible.
Context
The Extinction Rebellion (XR) environmental group has organized disruptive protests around the world since November 2018 to demand increased action to address climate change issues.
Advice
Individuals in Amsterdam are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions.
