Greta Thunberg detained twice in Hague protest against fossil fuel subsidies

THE HAGUE: Prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained twice by the Dutch authorities while protesting against fossil fuel subsidies on Saturday in The Hague, Netherlands.

The demonstration was organised by a coalition of climate activists. The coalition aims to pressurise on the Dutch government to terminate subsidies for fossil fuel industry, ahead of an upcoming legislative debate in June.

Read more: Climate change hits vulnerable Indonesian trans women

Greta Thunberg blocked a main road along with a group of demonstrators to denounce the Dutch government’s tax concessions for companies affiliated with the fossil fuel sector, including Shell and the Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM).

Dutch law enforcement detained over 400 people during the protest, including Thunberg.  She was later released after a brief detention. However, Thunberg was arrested again after rejoining protesters blocking another road near the railway station.

The protest marked the 37th time activists aimed to block the critical highway in The Hague.

Climate activists seek to raise awareness about the harmful impact of fossil fuel subsidies. Despite police warnings, the climate activists refused to move leading to a tense standoff. The activists chanted slogans and brandished signs demanding an end to such subsidies.

The Swede activist is recognised globally for her outspoken activism on climate change. Thunberg has implored people world over to address the climate crisis, stating that “we are in a planetary emergency, and we are not going to stand by and let people lose their lives and livelihoods.”

Disagreement over the Dutch government’s subsidy policies has fueled frustration among young environmental activists, who argue against the utilising public funds to support industries contributing to climate change.

Read more: PM Shehbaz orders formation of committee to deal with climate change issues

Climate activists vowed to continue with protests until the government initiates substantial action to abolish fossil fuel subsidies.

The demonstration in The Hague aligns with a global movement advocating urgent action against climate change. It represents another instance of young activists’ growing frustration over the lack of meaningful steps to address the climate crisis.