Current:Home > InvestNorway activists press on with their protest against wind farm on land used by herders-LoTradeCoin
Norway activists press on with their protest against wind farm on land used by herders
View Date:2024-12-23 23:40:36
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Dozens of activists in Norway on Thursday blocked the entrance to one of the main operators of a wind farm they say hinders the rights of the Sami Indigenous people to raise reindeer,
At the center of the dispute are the 151 turbines of Europe’s largest onshore wind farm, which is located in central Norway’s Fosen district, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) north of the capital of Oslo. The activists say a transition to green energy shouldn’t come at the expense of the rights of Indigenous people.
They have demonstrated repeatedly against the wind farm’s continued operation since the Supreme Court of Norway ruled in October 2021 that the construction of the turbines had violated the rights of the Sami, who have used the land for reindeer for centuries.
On Thursday, the activists sat down on the ground outside the building in Oslo of Statkraft, a state-owned company that operates 80 of the wind turbines at Fosen.
”We expect to block all visible entrances, ”activist Gina Gylver told the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen.
Police spokesman Sven Martin Ege told Norwegian news agency NTB that the about 100 protesters have said they want to prevent employees of Statkraft from entering their workplace after which it was decided that they will work from home.
Late Wednesday, a group of about 20 Sami, many dressed in traditional garments, staged a protest in a central hallway inside the Norwegian parliament. They were removed by police after refusing to leave the premises. Hundreds more had gathered on the main street leading up to Norway’s parliament, the Storting.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has acknowledged “ongoing human rights violations” and the government has repeatedly apologized for failing to act despite the Supreme Court ruling. Energy Minister Terje Aasland has said that the demolition of all wind turbines at Fosen now, as the protesters demand, was not relevant.
According to activists, Greta Thunberg of neighboring Sweden, is set to join them later Thursday.
On Wednesday, Thunberg was fined 2,250 kroner ($206) by a Swedish court once again for disobeying police during an environmental protest in July. Thunberg, 20, has admitted to the facts but denied guilt, saying the fight against the fossil fuel industry was a form of self-defense due to the existential and global threat of the climate crisis.
In June, activists protested outside Gahr Støre’s office. They occupied the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for four days in February, and later blocked the entrances to 10 ministries.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Justice Department says jail conditions in Georgia’s Fulton County violate detainee rights
- 5-year-old fatally shot by other child after gun was unsecured at grandparents' Michigan home
- Shirley Jones' son Shaun Cassidy pays sweet tribute to actress on 90th birthday: 'A lover of life'
- Biden condemns unacceptable Israeli strike on World Central Kitchen aid convoy in call with Netanyahu
- Cruel Intentions' Brooke Lena Johnson Teases the Biggest Differences Between the Show and the 1999 Film
- NBA's three women DJs are leaving an impact that is felt far beyond game days
- NC State star DJ Burns could be an intriguing NFL prospect but there are obstacles
- Officer acquitted in 2020 death of Manuel Ellis resigns from new deputy job days after hiring
- 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant makes viral mistake: 'Treat yourself a round of sausage'
- Twilight’s Elizabeth Reaser Privately Married Composer Bruce Gilbert 8 Months Ago
Ranking
- Mike Tyson emerges as heavyweight champ among product pitchmen before Jake Paul fight
- Pressure builds from Nebraska Trump loyalists for a winner-take-all system
- 'Great news': California snowpack above average for 2nd year in a row
- New survey of U.S. teachers carries a message: It is getting harder and harder
- Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame football coach, dies at 89
- NY state is demanding more information on Trump’s $175 million appeal bond in civil fraud case
- LeBron James supports the women's game. Caitlin Clark says 'he's exactly what we need'
- Melissa Stark, Andrew Siciliano among NFL Network's latest staff cuts
Recommendation
-
Agents search home of ex-lieutenant facing scrutiny as police probe leak of school shooting evidence
-
LeBron James supports the women's game. Caitlin Clark says 'he's exactly what we need'
-
Gay rights activists call for more international pressure on Uganda over anti-gay law
-
Jesse Metcalfe Reveals How the John Tucker Must Die Sequel Will Differ From the Original
-
California voters reject measure that would have banned forced prison labor
-
Thomas Gumbleton, Detroit Catholic bishop who opposed war and promoted social justice, dies at 94
-
Paul McCartney Details Moving Conversation He Had With Beyoncé About Blackbird Cover
-
2 million Black & Decker clothing steamers are under recall after dozens of burn injuries