Police arrest at least three during Copenhagen demonstrations over Danish values

At least three people were arrested after unrest broke out during rival demonstrations in Copenhagen on Flag Day, DR reports. Police used batons to hold back people at several points along the route.

One demonstration was organised by Det Danske Folk, which said it was gathering for Denmark, freedom, safety, Danish culture and national unity. The organisers also expressed opposition to sharia legislation and religious social control.

Several hundred people attended the right-wing demonstration. Many carried Danish flags, while a smaller group stood out in black clothing and caps. A counterdemonstration was organised by several groups, including the Joint Initiative Against Racism and Discrimination. Banners carried messages including “Racism? For fuck’s sake” and “Migrants welcome!”

Michael and Dorthe Gross travelled from Køge to Østerbro to attend the demonstration organised by Det Danske Folk. They said they believed that too much consideration was being given to Muslims in Denmark.

“We think it is a good demonstration to support Denmark and Danish values and culture,” Michael said.

Asked about claims that the demonstration contained racist messages, Dorthe said everyone should be allowed to live in Denmark as long as they followed Danish rules.

Police intervened when the crowd reached the junction of Østerbrogade and Classensgade, where officers used batons to hold back several people on Classensgade. There was also unrest at Østerport, where a group of counterdemonstrators had gathered.

Police told Ritzau that the arrests involved suspected violence against police, possession of pyrotechnics and possession of drugs.

Among the counterdemonstrators was Villum Sylvester Kærsgaard, a high school student and member of SF Youth. He said polarisation was increasing and that right-wing extremism was growing in Denmark and the rest of Europe.

He said the Det Danske Folk demonstrators were focusing on “far too small a percentage of foreigners who commit crime”. In his view, Danish values included caring for others, protecting one another and defending freedom of expression. He also said the rhetoric surrounding immigration had become too harsh.