Five demonstrators of Extinction Rebellion have just been taken from the steps of the provincial government in Haarlem by the police. They, along with a number of fellow protesters, are demanding the closure of Tata Steel, just like a month ago.
Our reporter on the scene saw it happen: “The five were dragged off the platform by the police about half past one. About two hours before that, they had climbed over the fence of the site and gone up the platform. They hung a banner there and they chanted, among other things, that Tata must close.”
Also on the other side of the fence, ‘a handful of people’ were protesting against the steel company with banners and shouts. By 2 p.m. there were still three protesters.
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Demonstration Extinction Rebellion provincial house from car – Submitted video
A spokesperson for the province says in a response that the province cannot comply with the Extinction Rebellion demand:
“Environmental deputy Jeroen Olthof also spoke to protesters at the provincial government last month. He then explained that the province cannot meet the wish to close. Tata has a permit and as long as they comply with the agreements, we cannot withdraw it. It is true that we are constantly working on tightening up the requirements, and therefore reducing emissions. We also keep explaining this.”
A month ago also demonstrated about twenty people against Tata Steel at the provincial house. Then three people climbed over the fence. They were quickly caught by the police. This is how it went then:
Extinction Rebellion takes action against Tata Steel at Provincial House Haarlem – NH Nieuws