Eleven climate activists from Extinction Rebellion have blocked access to the air base in Leeuwarden since 7:30 am on Friday morning. The activists chained themselves to trees on the road, forming a human chain.
“We are trying to block the airbase as long as possible,” says activist Dirk Kuiken. “We hope that it will be possible to prevent traffic at the airbase from entering and leaving. Then we have to wait and see what time the police will come.”
Before and during the international flying exercise Frisian Flag, protests were already held against the Leeuwarden airbase. They protest against the emission of CO2 and nitrogen, among other things. The Extinction Rebellion blockade is part of the earlier actions coordinated by the collective Vliegop.
‘No bombs but trees’
The activists want to draw attention to the effects of exercises such as Frisian Flag on the climate and nature with their blockade on Friday. They argue that “airbase emissions, pollution and noise” [bijvoorbeeld tijdens Frisian Flag red.] the quality of life for people and animals is seriously affected.’
In addition, Extinction Rebellion says that Defense’s climate goals are not in line with national agreements. The activists are also critical of the armed forces because of its direct link with the arms industry. This ‘suppresses societies and ecosystems’ according to the group. The activists will therefore continue to take action, they write in a press release.