Police remove extinction rebellion protesters from Rijksmuseum

Nine Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists who remained inside the Rijksmuseum after a larger protest were removed by police around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, authorities confirmed. The activists had glued themselves together in the Hall of Honor near Rembrandt's The Night Watch to demand the museum cut ties with sponsor ING Bank, which they accuse of financing fossil fuels.

The demonstration, involving several hundred protesters, began at 2:30 p.m. and included families with children, according to XR. Participants were encouraged to take selfies with banners in front of their favorite artworks. By the museum's 5:00 p.m. closing time, most demonstrators had dispersed, but the remaining nine refused to leave, citing their right to protest.

Police warned the activists to detach themselves or face removal. After they declined, officers used cola to dissolve the glue, XR said. Earlier in the day, activists chanted slogans like “Rijks, say no to ING!” while museum visitors continued viewing exhibits.

A Rijksmuseum spokesperson was unavailable for comment. ING Bank previously called XR’s demands unrealistic, stating that its approach goes too far.