Police arrest dozens as anti-war activists block Rotterdam port rail line
Police used force Saturday to remove hundreds of climate and anti-war protesters who blocked parts of the Rotterdam port’s main freight railway for hours. At least 100 people were detained, police said. Many activists had chained themselves to the rails; police technical teams worked to remove them. Those still attached were later arrested.
The protest, organized by the activist group Geef Tegengas, targeted several points along the line between the Maasvlakte and Barendrecht, including Vondelingenplaat, Eemhaven, and the Vaanplein junction, Rijnmond reports. The group accused the port of fueling “wars, oppression, and climate destruction,” calling it the “Dutch engine of death and destruction.”
Geef Tegengas claimed about 800 participants, while Rijnmond's emergency photographer estimated roughly 400, spread over several groups that later joined together.
Police and riot units initially observed but moved in when demonstrators refused to leave. “We first ask people to leave voluntarily,” a police spokesperson said. “Those who don’t listen are given a helping hand.” Witnesses reported officers dragging protesters from the tracks and striking some during arrests.
Protesters carried banners reading “No bombs, barrels, or bullshit,” “This port has gone off the rails,” and “Cargo here means horror there.” DJs played music, and speeches were delivered from a small stage beside the tracks.
Geef Tegengas demanded that the port immediately impose a total arms and trade embargo on Israel, end business with countries accused of human rights abuses, and create a plan to phase out all “polluting junk” from port operations.
Friday’s demonstration by the same group blocked access to the APM and Rotterdam World Gateway terminals on the Tweede Maasvlakte. About 100 activists took part, and tensions rose before police intervened as some truck drivers reacted angrily.
The protests coincided with an ongoing strike by dockers demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike, which began on Wednesday, was extended indefinitely on Friday. Port companies filed an emergency court case to stop it, set for Saturday afternoon.
Geef Tegengas voiced support for the striking workers. “With two days of striking, they have managed to shut down the entire port. We admire that and feel strengthened by it,” the group said. “It shows how much power workers have when they take action. The profits of logistics giants and their shareholders exploit and murder people, both here in the port and abroad. We wholeheartedly support their fight for decent pay and working conditions.
