Day 1 (September 9th) saw over 2400 arrested. Carice Van Houten was in attendance, along with a full orchestra, playing “Dies Irae - Day of Judgement.” 25,000 attended the festivities altogether, with 10,000 participating in the blockade itself. Very few of those arrested were kept long, and eventually everyone was released. However, many were surprised that the scientists were not immune to police repression. Although no injuries have been reported, there was definitely a display of state aggression. 

Day 2, September 10th, rebels scrambled back to the blockade spot by 12pm - and did it again. This time, the police were much less tolerant, and their numbers appear quite diminished - comparably speaking. 443 people are arrested on the second day, with all but three being released immediately. The clarion call for rebellion continues - the Twitter announces they will be back tomorrow. They will continue until the government ends its fossil fuel subsidies of 37.5 billion dollars to the fossil fuel industry.

Scientists again among A12 arrests. Why should the Dutch gov. stop its €37.5 billion subsidy to the fossil fuel industry? July 2023 was globally the hottest month on record. Many regions saw unlivable temperatures & droughts. "The evidence is clear: the time for action is now." pic.twitter.com/dcU2vbj2uU

— Scientist Rebellion Netherlands (@SR_Netherlands) September 10, 2023

Being able to muster 443 arrests the day after 2400 arrests, is a monumental feat. What will day 3 bring?

Nu bij dag 2 van de A12-blokkade. Zolang de overheid de fossiele industrie jaarlijks met 37 miljard blijft pamperen gaat deze actie door, heeft de organisatie bekend gemaakt. Handje ophouden door de vervuilers moet ophouden, geen socialisme voor de rijken meer!

— Doorbraak Eu (@Doorbraakeu) September 10, 2023