Latest World News: Climate activist Greta Thunberg removed from Swedish protest
Climate activist Greta Thunberg taken away by police
Malmo, Sweden:
Swedish police expelled climate activist Greta Thunberg from a protest on Monday, an AFP photographer reported, hours after a court fined her for disobeying law enforcement at a rally last month.
The 20-year-old activist, who has become a key face of the climate change movement, had appeared earlier in the day charged with disrupting traffic and refusing to leave a June protest in the port city of Malmö.
“It is correct that I was at that place that day, and it is correct that I received an order that I did not listen to, but I want to deny the crime,” Thunberg told the court when asked about the charge against her.
Thunberg said she acted out of necessity, citing the urgency created by the “climate crisis”.
The rally, organized by environmental activist group Reclaim the Future, attempted to block entry and exit to Malmö port in protest against the use of fossil fuels.
“In my view, we are in an emergency situation, and that is why my action was legitimate,” she told reporters after the trial.
Don’t back down
After a short trial, the court found her guilty and imposed a fine of 1,500 crowns ($144) plus an additional 1,000 crowns to the Swedish fund for victims of crime.
The crime she was convicted of can carry a maximum sentence of six months in prison, but usually these types of charges result in fines.
When asked if she would be more careful in the future after her fine, Thunberg said they were “definitely not going to back down.”
“We know we can’t save the world by playing by the rules because the laws need to be changed,” the activist said.
“It is absurd that those who act according to science, those who block the fossil fuel industry are the ones who must pay the price,” she added.
Hours later, Thunberg joined a protest similar to the one in June which earned him a fine.
Sitting on the road leading to the port of Malmö, she put up a sign saying “I block tankers”.
same crime
After about an hour, Thunberg and five other people were forcibly removed by police, an AFP photographer reported at the port.
“Six people have been evacuated from the scene,” police said in a statement, adding that they would be reported for “disobeying police orders,” the same crime for which Thunberg had just been fined.
Thunberg became world famous after launching her “school climate strike” in front of the Swedish parliament in Stockholm when she was 15.
She and a small group of young people founded the Fridays for Future movement, which quickly became a global phenomenon.
In addition to her climate strikes, the young activist regularly lambastes governments and politicians for not properly addressing climate issues.
Reclaim the Future insists that despite legal pressures, it remains adamant in its determination to stand up to the fossil fuel industry.
“If the court chooses to consider our action a crime, it may do so, but we know we have the right to live and the fossil fuel industry opposes that,” group spokeswoman Irma Kjellstrom told AFP.
Six people present at the June demonstration have or will face charges in court in Malmö.
“We young people are not going to wait but will do everything we can to stop this industry that is burning our lives,” she said, explaining the group’s plans to continue civil disobedience.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video of the Day
Eye on China, India hands over INS Kirpan Corvette missile to Vietnam
Also read this Article:
An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.