DENMARK: Danish police detain about 100 people during violence in Copenhagen

Danish police detained about 100 people during renewed violence in Copenhagen early on Saturday (March 3), two days after the eviction of left-wing squatters from a youth centre sparked a wave of protests. One demonstrator was injured when clashes broke out after midnight in St. Hans Square during an illegal demonstration and street party with live music in the multi-ethnic, working class Norrebro neighbourhood. The demonstration had started peacefully. Police had been expecting more unrest on the night of Friday (March 2) after more than 200 people were taken into custody on Thursday (March 1) night following clashes with police over the eviction of the youth centre in an early morning raid. Two police officers and two demonstrators were hurt in clashes on Thursday (March 1). Activists have vowed to continue their protests to win back control of the youth centre, which the local government had sold to a religious group in 2000. They said more protests were planned later in the day on Saturday. The violence on Saturday began when some masked demonstrators started digging up cobblestones and police vans entered the square where the demonstration was being held. Some demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails at police, who responded with tear gas and chased demonstrators through the streets. Activists set several cars on fire. Earlier on Friday (March 2) Justice Minister Lena Espersen urged protesters to avoid violence and praised the way police dealt with Thursday's protests to limit the violence. The protesters have repeatedly called for a political solution to the dispute over the youth centre but rejected a proposal to move to another building.

ITN Source | March 3, 2007

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