According to a spokeswoman for the action group Save the Sterrebos, the intention was that five arrested activists would strengthen the occupiers in the forest. The other two people arrested were only there to support them. A girl was injured when she was knocked to the ground by the police, according to the spokeswoman.
The seven were discovered in their attempt to enter the forest around 9.40 pm by Nedcar’s security, who then alerted the police. The police closed off the main road between Susteren and Sittard near the forest on both sides to allow the detainees to be removed. The road was reopened just before midnight.
Busy since Friday
Since Friday, activists from Red het Sterrebos have occupied the forest area to prevent seven hectares from disappearing to allow expansion of the car manufacturer’s production halls. The Council of State previously ruled that the preparations for the felling could continue as usual. It is not yet known whether the trees may actually be cut down. The highest administrative court will soon rule on this in a case brought by an environmental group.
Mayor Hans Verheijen of Sittard-Geleen announced on Saturday that the activists could be provided with food and drinks. Earlier, the action group Save the Sterrebos complained that the demonstrators were deprived of supplies.
The occupiers enter the forest for the second night. They want to stay until the hood is blown off.