Environmental activists block private jets at Geneva airport
The global environmental movement Extinction Rebellion took its civil obedience aims to the Geneva airport where some 100 people blocked the private jet terminal on Saturday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jdp
For two and a half hours, some 30 activists sat in front of the entrance to the private jet terminal, partially blocking its entrance. Others were reportedly singing and holding signs with white clouds or flags with the symbol of the movement.
The group’s stated aim is to use nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action to avoid ecological collapse.
It gained notoriety in Switzerland in September after it poured green dye into the Limmat river that flows through Zurich to draw attention to the climate crisis. Some 117 climate activists pledging allegiance to the Extinction Rebellion movement are also facing criminal charges for blocking a road and a bridge during protests in Lausanne in September.
“We want to denounce this completely absurd means of transport since a private jet emits twenty times more CO2 per passenger than a conventional airplane,” explained Micaël Metry, one of the movement’s spokespeople.
Dozens of police officers were at the scene, but the demonstration was peaceful. No disruptions of commercial flights were reported and the majority of passengers were able to transit through the airport.
After two hours of protest, the group accepted the suggestion of the cantonal police to evacuate the area. According to news agency Keystone-ATS, the group did not make a formal request before the demonstration and the identities of the demonstrators were taken by police. However, a spokesperson for the cantonal police indicated that no decision has been taken about possible consequences for the action.
This story was updated following the demonstration.
More
More
Activists dye River Limmat green in Zurich
This content was published on
Environmental activists poured green dye into the river flowing through Switzerland’s biggest city on Tuesday.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Over 100 ‘Extinction Rebellion’ activists face charges in Switzerland
This content was published on
Swiss police have pressed criminal charges against 117 climate activists for blocking a road and a bridge during protests in September.
This content was published on
Thousands demonstrated in the Swiss capital on Saturday to demand that politicians and individuals take action against climate change.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.