Activists from Extinction Rebellion were pelted with stones and eggs during a blockade of the Afsluitdijk on Saturday afternoon. According to a spokesperson for the activist group, several people feel unsafe. Therefore, it was decided to break off the action.
During the action, a confrontation occurred with a group of approximately fifteen young people, news agency ANP observed on the spot. The young people insulted the demonstrators and pelted them with eggs. Later, they also started throwing stones.
The climate demonstrators retreated for consultation. A little later, the spokesperson announced that the protest action would be broken off because several participants felt unsafe.
The blockade of the Afsluitdijk by XR and other climate groups lasted several hours. Approximately 150 people participated in the action. During the action, the Afsluitdijk was closed in both directions. Motorists were advised by the ANWB to drive via Flevoland over the A6.
The activists are protesting against new gas drilling in the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. The demonstrators believe it is irresponsible to tap new gas reserves during a climate crisis caused by the burning of fossil fuels. They are asking government advisory councils to advise against such drilling.