Activists break into Microsoft data centre site in Amsterdam, police detain up to 200
Activists entered the building site of a planned Microsoft data centre in Amsterdam Sloterdijk on Friday. Police say they detained 150 to 200 people on suspicion of trespassing.
Activists broke into the building site of a planned Microsoft data centre in Amsterdam Sloterdijk on Friday. Police say they detained 150 to 200 people on suspicion of trespassing.
Some protesters cut through the fence, and some climbed cranes and the roof of the building under construction. Riot police moved in during the afternoon to remove them. One police officer was lightly injured.
Who protested, and why
The action was led by the group Geef Tegengas, joined by Extinction Rebellion and a pro-Palestinian group. The organisers say about 500 people took part.
The protesters say the data centre would use as much electricity as all Amsterdam homes, at a time when the city’s power grid is already full and businesses are waiting for connections. Some also accuse Microsoft of working with Israel’s army.
Microsoft’s response
Microsoft says it respects peaceful protest but does not condone actions that break the law or put people at risk. The data centre is being built by the developer Pure DC.
