Netherlands: Protest against Microsoft data center in Amsterdam – many arrests

Paris. Hundreds of demonstrators descended on the construction site of a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam to protest against the project. Police in the Dutch capital said 150 to 200 demonstrators were arrested for trespassing. Some materials were allegedly stolen from the construction site, while others are said to have caused property damage there. All those arrested should be questioned, the police said.

Demonstrators from two different groups had gathered at the construction site, the broadcaster NOS reported. While the climate protection and citizens' movement Fossielvrij NL wanted to demonstrate in front of the construction site because data centers consume enormous amounts of energy, activists from the Geef Tegengas group tried to break open fences with tools in order to get to the construction site itself. The group takes action against fossil fuels, capitalism, rearmament or large tech projects by blocking infrastructure, ports or construction sites.

The police said they first asked the demonstrators to hand over their tools and then gave them the way to the rally site. Nevertheless, the demonstrators then forced their way into the construction site. The riot police also used batons in their action against the demonstrators, as could be seen on NOS television images.

As the Geef Tegengas group announced in a call, the occupation of the Microsoft construction site in Amsterdam was the first mass protest against large data centers in Europe.

Microsoft told NOS that it was aware of the escalated demonstration. "We understand that this project raises many emotions and respect people's right to express their opinions peacefully. However, we do not condone actions that violate the law or endanger the safety of people," it said.