On Saturday, ecologist activists from "Extinction Rebellion" kicked off a new round of punch mobilization to denounce states' inaction on climate change. This international movement calls for convergence to all capitals for a week of blockages. From Berlin to Buenos Aires, via London, 55 cities would be affected.
The program of this "international rebellion": street blockades, illegal occupations, poster campaigns and "artistic workshops". In Paris, Monday, thousands of activists - they would be 8,000 in France according to one of the members of the movement - are already announcing the blocking of key places in the capital.
"Compared to what awaits us, a few hours in a police station, it's nothing"
"We advocate civil disobedience, so we break certain rules, but out of necessity." Convinced that action was needed to deal with the climate emergency, Alex joined "Extinction Rebellion" six months ago. This young Lyonnais, very involved in this movement that wants to be non-violent, even asked a week of holidays. "There is no deterioration of the material, being faced with about fifty people sitting on the ground, without insult ... there is no reason for the police to react in such a way aggressive, "he argues with Europe 1.
At "Extinction Rebellion" there is neither leader nor spokesperson. Activists appear face-to-face, and before each punch action, they decide how far they are willing to go. "In the formations, one learns to react in police custody or if the police load us", explains Mathilde. "It is the future of humanity that is at stake. Compared to what awaits us, a few hours in a police station, it is nothing," says this activist.
These activists, extremely determined, will join in the coming days places of blocking still kept secret with sleeping bags to spend the night. In Paris, throughout the week, "Extinction Rebellion" provides for various actions, including a blockage of river traffic on the Seine.