Danish protests turns flowery

2007-03-05 14:30

Copenhagen - About 1 000 cyclists rode through Copenhagen, replacing days of violent protests with the peaceful chiming of bike bells, while a separate group urged protestors to throw flowers at police instead of rocks.

Ringing their way through the Danish capital, the demonstrators carried banners in support of Ungdomshuset, a building famed as a centre of underground culture that was shut down last week, sparking violent protests.

"Long live Ungdomshuset!" and "Stop police violence!" read some of the signs passing under the watchful gaze of a massive police contingent, still on high alert after days of violent clashes.

Copenhagen police spokesperson Lars Borg said: "The situation has improved considerably, but we remain on alert."

Police put the number of participants at about 1 000, revising an earlier estimate of 300.

Police arrested 196 people "on different charges", said Borg, pointing out that the latest protests had been "much calmer, with only very few incidents involving rubbish bins set on fire".

Punk status

The building has acquired a cult reputation in Copenhagen as a haven for rebels, punks and squatters since the 1980s when the Danish capital gave the groups permission to move into the centre.

The building, which has served among other things as a concert venue and featured performances by big stars like Icelandic pop artist Bjork and Australian musician Nick Cave, was recently sold to the Christian group Fadershuset, which requested the eviction of the youths.

An August 2006 court ruling ordered the occupants to be evicted from the centre, which they insist belongs to them.

Since the beginning of the protests, which have included rioters hurling petrol bombs and stones, about 647 people have been arrested - including 140 foreigners - with 227 placed in custody.

Although less violent, Sunday's protesters were adamant that Ungdomshuset should be spared.

"It is a great place where everyone is welcome except for racists, and where there are lots of activities that you can't find elsewhere," said 13-year-old Anders Lemvig, who with in his new punk outfit and haircut marched on foot in the bicycle demonstration.

'Frustrated with city hall'

Lemvig, who had frequented Ungdomshuset for the past three years with his parents' blessing, said: "Those who threw rocks, were so frustrated with Copenhagen city hall, which turned a deaf ear to their calls to save their home."

When the bicycle demonstration arrived at city hall, followed by dozens of police vans, it was joined by another group of protestors marching under the banner "flowers not cobblestones".

"We wanted to tell the young people: 'We understand your frustration, which is legitimate. But throw flowers at the police and say no to violence," said a spokesperson for the group.

- AFP