West Swedes in climate protests in Berlin - use illegal methods

Climate activists are conducting campaigns around Europe this week trying to raise awareness of their climate demands. The Extinction Rebellion movement is behind the socially disruptive protests in Berlin. According to the movement, there are about 250 Swedes of all different ages, of which 60-70 people are from Western Sweden.

- I am here because I believe that we very soon need to take a lot of responsibility for the big and difficult climate issues, says Astrid Roxenholt, a retired teacher from Gothenburg.

She and several Swedes were part of the occupation of the Marschallbrücke in central Berlin on Thursday, near the city's government building. On Friday, the bridge is evacuated.

- I am very surprised and horrified that education, our universities and our researchers have not had a major impact on climate work. Why do researchers get grants if they don't care what they come up with?

The Extinction Rebellion believes that they use non-violence and civil disobedience as methods to put pressure on society. Activists have for several days blocked bridges and roads in Berlin to stop car and public transport. The protests have caused stops and widespread traffic problems throughout the week.

The movement has also protested outside the German Christian Democrats, CDUs, headquarters and other places in the city that may have political or strategic values ​​for activists.

- It gives so much to gather and do the mass actions and feel the power with others, says Katja Bergman from Gothenburg.

On several occasions, the local German police have been forced to carry away activists to get traffic organized. According to the Extinction Rebellion, several Swedish activists have been taken away by police car, but no one should have been suspected of any crime.

How do you make sure you use illegal methods?

- I see it as absolutely necessary in this situation. We have tried everything else for 30 years, that we are breaking the law now is necessary. I think we can't play with these rules, it's the rules that have to change, says Katja Bergman.

For some, the protests have become a family adventure. The Kungsbacka family with grandfather Staffan, dad Benjamin and daughter Dagmar Börjesson and mum Malin Jakobsson are on the scene together.

- It's an opportunity to do something to influence decision makers. It feels important to get the message out that we want a change fast, says Malin Jakobsson, 31 years old.

- Dagmar is not even a year, but it is her future that we want to try to save.

The family has been in Berlin all week. When grandfather Staffan Börjesson, 63, tells of when granddaughter Dagmar Börjesson danced in front of the famous Berlin monument Siegessäule during a campaign, he gets tears in his eyes.

- With civil disobedience, one is open with one's identity and is prepared to take one's punishment, that is a dividing line. Under those conditions, I think it's totally okay. Throughout history, there are examples of social problems being solved through civil disobedience, says Staffan Börjesson.

According to a captain at the Berlin State Police with whom SVT News West talked to, the protests mean a lot of work for the police. But he thinks it is protests and not riots.

- Every day there are protest actions and roadblocks that we have to deal with. Not only for those who protest but also for everyone who lives in Berlin, he says.

- For our unit, all planned assignments have been replaced by unplanned assignments. It costs a lot of money so obviously and it takes a lot of time and labor.