Twenty protesters arrested after demonstration at Maersk headquarters

Twenty activists were arrested on Monday after refusing to leave a protest at the Copenhagen headquarters of shipping giant Maersk, Danish police confirmed to public broadcaster DR.

The demonstrators, affiliated with Denmark’s Palestine solidarity and climate movements, gathered outside Maersk’s offices to protest what they claim is the company’s involvement in transporting weapons components to Israel. The protest was organised by the Green Youth Movement, according to a press statement.

Copenhagen Police issued an order for protesters to leave the private property, with most complying and relocating to a designated area. However, 20 individuals remained and were detained on suspicion of unlawful trespass. Police stated they would be removed from the site.

This is not the first confrontation at the location. In February last year, officers used tear gas and physical force to clear activists blocking the entrance to Maersk’s offices, while a similar protest at Maersk Tankers—a Maersk subsidiary—required police intervention in May 2023.

On Monday, remaining demonstrators were directed to continue their protest on a public sidewalk opposite the headquarters.