Extinction Rebellion protesters block Ghent ring road
Nearly 150 activists from the environmental group Extinction Rebellion blocked the Ghent ring road on Saturday afternoon. The group is demanding an end to all fossil fuel subsidies.
Around noon, the protesters of Extinction Rebellion Ghent gathered in the Citadel Park and walked to the R40 ring road in Ghent to block it. The protest then moved to the junction of Martelaarslaan and Bernard Spaellaan, where several activists, tied together, lay down on the road. The police cleared the street and administratively arrested 14 people.
"Every year, at least 13 billion euros of our tax money goes to the most polluting and profitable companies"
The "picnic blockade" is the fourth time Extinction Rebellion has blocked the Ghent ring road. Their demands remain the same. They want the government and the city council to stop subsidising the fossil fuel industry.
"Every year, at least 13 billion euros of our tax money goes to the most polluting and profitable companies," said protester Annelies. "Do something. Abolish these subsidies and give the money to childcare, public transport, housing..."
Around 150 people participated in the protest, according to Ghent police, who were on site to divert traffic. Other organisations such as Greenpeace, Scientist Rebellion and Grandparents for Climate also participated in the protest.
The environmental movement is also protesting in the Netherlands. In The Hague, Extinction Rebellion has blocked the A12 motorway every day since 9 September. The group plans to continue until the government stops supporting the fossil fuel industry.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO VICTOR VAN KERCKHOVE / © BELGA VIDEO VICTOR VAN KERCKHOVE
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