Symbolic imageActivists storm Microsoft data centre site in Amsterdam as backlash spreads
Activists broke into a Microsoft data centre construction site in Amsterdam on Friday, as protests spread across Europe. In the US, Democrats are pushing for pauses after the midterms.
Members of the Dutch direct action group Geef Tegengas broke into the Westpoort site, some climbing a crane and lighting flares. Police said they could not prevent the occupation and used force, while protesters said police used teargas. According to Al Jazeera, police detained 150-200 people on suspicion of trespassing. Microsoft said it respects peaceful protest but does not condone unlawful action.
Coalition distances itself
The Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, which includes more than 100 groups, said it had neither coordinated nor promoted the break-in, but called such tactics "understandable" when communities are shut out of decisions. Smaller protests took place in Bristol, Berlin, Warsaw and Zagreb, with more expected on Saturday.
Democrats eye pauses
After Tuesday's midterms, Senator Bernie Sanders called on Wednesday for a national data-centre moratorium. Reuters reports Democrats plan a flood of AI bills once they control Congress, and Bloomberg says Nvidia's chip exports are emerging as a target. White House economic council director Kevin Hassett told CNBC that construction would continue.
Other opinions
Breitbart stresses pro-Palestine slogans and leftist banners, while the Guardian and Al Jazeera foreground environmental and water concerns.