Demonstrators Block Copenhagen Road and Bring Traffic to a Halt

An unannounced demonstration blocked a street in Copenhagen’s Østerbro district early Saturday afternoon, bringing traffic on Classensgade to a stop.

Copenhagen police later said they had removed the protesters by force after issuing several orders to leave. A large, authorized march had also moved on from Østerbrogade, which reopened to traffic in both directions.

Demonstrators from opposite ends of the political spectrum were in the area during the day. The anti-racism and anti-discrimination group Fællesinitiativet and the Det Danske Folk demonstration continued through the streets with flags and signs. It was not known who had blocked the road.

Images showed police pushing activists from an antifascist demonstration back. Berlingske reported that some officers drew batons, while B.T. reported that demonstrators from Det Danske Folk threw signal flares at counterprotesters. An organizer from Det Danske Folk reportedly told participants through a megaphone that anyone using firecrackers would be removed from the march.

Berlingske also reported that fireworks were thrown near Kastellet, where demonstrators had gathered for a minute of silence honoring Denmark’s deployed personnel on the country’s Flag Day.

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The unannounced demonstration that blocked Classensgade has now been removed by force, after it received several orders to leave.