Extinction Rebellion activists spill stinky acid on themselves in Nijmegen Zara store
Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) carried out a protest in a Zara store in Nijmegen on Saturday afternoon, despite a ban issued by the local authorities. The activists dripped stinky butyric acid on themselves inside the store, a move that was part of their ongoing protest against the fashion industry’s environmental and human rights issues, RTL reports.
The protest took place at Zara’s store located at Plein 1944 in Nijmegen, where around 14:30 local time, the first activists were escorted out by the police. A spokesperson for the police confirmed that a small group of people experienced some irritation to their eyes but did not require medical attention. Three individuals were arrested during the protest.
Prior to the protest, XR had requested permission from the municipality to hold the demonstration, but the action was prohibited. In response to the ban, XR proceeded with their protest anyway. A spokesperson for XR, 'Puk,' explained the symbolic nature of the action: “We wanted to show that this issue stinks. And Zara stinks too.” The activists used butyric acid, which emits a smell similar to Parmesan cheese, but much stronger.
XR previously announced their intention to carry out similar protests across 29 municipalities in the Netherlands, but clarified later that this was an April Fool’s joke. The group only intended to hold the action in Rotterdam, though that plan was also abandoned. However, XR announced they would target other locations, and the action in Nijmegen was part of that effort.
In a statement, XR explained that butyric acid was used as a symbol to counteract the chemical scents of Zara’s perfumes, highlighting the contrast with the "true scent of fast fashion." The group also pointed to the environmental impact of the fashion industry, claiming it is responsible for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, XR accused Zara of human rights violations in its supply chain, including slave labor, child labor, sexism, low wages, and exploitation both in production and within its stores.
