Press release - 10 March, 2009
Over 300 Greenpeace activists from across Europe have been arrested by police for taking part in a non-violent protest on climate change in Brussels today. Activists blocked the exits of the Brussels building where finance ministers were meeting to discuss funding to tackle climate change in developing countries.(1)
Greenpeace activists from 20 countries converged on the Brussels building at 11am on Tuesday.(2) The protesters locked themselves to gates and fences and blocked entrances on all sides of the Council building, calling on finance ministers to bail out the climate.
A large contingent of police officers and anti-riot police cut through the locks and dragged activists into awaiting vehicles. The police quickly set up a security perimeter, while EU security services sealed all entrances to the building. The last protesters were removed about two hours after arriving.
Three activists sustained injuries as a result of police action and are currently in hospital. The nature of the injuries is still unclear.
Protesters are still in police custody. No charges have yet been brought.
Other contacts: Thomas Henningsen – Greenpeace International climate campaigner: +49 (0)171 878 0833Karine Gavand – Greenpeace France climate campaigner: +33 (0)677 046 190Joris den Blanken - Greenpeace EU climate and energy policy director: +32 (0)476 961 375Mark Breddy - Greenpeace EU communications: +32 (0)496 156 229Matilda Bradshaw – Greenpeace International communications: +31 (0)6 2900 1131International photo desk: +44 (0)78 01 615 889International video desk : +31 (0)6 3473 8790
Notes: Notes to editors:[1] Finance ministers are expected to make recommendations to EU leaders meeting next week (19 and 20 March) on the EU’s position going into global climate talks in Copenhagen later this year.[2] Activists are from 16 EU countries, plus Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Israel and Lebanon. Interviews are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch.