FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Vice Blog

COPENHAGEN - MORE RIOTS

A couple of months ago we reported on some riots in Copenhagen. Well, they're at it again. Last week the Danish anti-terror squad dropped out of helicopters onto the roof of an ex-hangout of Lenin that squatters had commandeered for many years. Outraged, young Danes swarmed around barricades and pelted the police with petrol bombs. The police started snapping on handcuffs and liberally spraying tear gas, resulting in 643 arrests. More worryingly, the city's famous Little Mermaid statue (pictured on the left in happier times), caught in the middle of the riot, suffered vandalism.

Clashes continued over two days in scenes which the Danish press described as a war-zone. This isn't new, however. In December last year, after another eviction plan turned violent, more than 300 arrests were made.

The problems began seven years ago when the squatters woke to find the council had sold their building to a Christian group. Unhappy with the prospect of being kicked out onto the streets, they've been fighting for their right to stay ever since. There's been bloodshed, riots, tears and car burnings, coupled with a stern telling-off from the Danish PM, but the squatters won't be moved without a fight. They've called on fellow anarchists who are turning up from all over Europe to help their anti-capitalist brothers and sisters.