Dutch police arrest up to 200 in Microsoft data centre protest

Dutch police said they had arrested between 150 and 200 protesters for trespassing after hundreds entered the construction site of a Microsoft data centre in Amsterdam to protest against the project, reported the German Press Agency (dpa).

Police said items suspected of having been stolen from the site were found on some of those detained, while others were suspected of causing property damage.

All those arrested were due to be questioned.

Protesters from two groups had gathered at the site, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.

Climate and civic campaign group Fossielvrij NL had planned to demonstrate outside the site over the vast amounts of energy consumed by data centres.

Activists from Geef Tegengas, however, attempted to break through fences using tools to enter the site, NOS reported.

The group uses blockades of infrastructure, ports and construction sites to campaign against fossil fuels, capitalism, military expansion and major technology projects.

Police said they initially ordered protesters to hand over their tools before allowing them into the designated demonstration area.

Despite this, some protesters later forced their way onto the construction site.

Television footage broadcast by NOS showed riot police using batons as they moved against the protesters.

Geef Tegengas described the occupation as Europe’s first mass protest against large data centres.