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GREENPEACE

Heightened security urged at nuclear plant

Swedish authorities on Friday called for tighter security at Forsmark nuclear power station, a day after Greenpeace activists were issued with fines for breaking into the plant in June.

Heightened security urged at nuclear plant

The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority called on the Forsmark nuclear plant, near Uppsala, north of Stockholm, “to investigate… which measures would eventually be needed to strengthen physical protection” of the plant.

It noted in a statement that the trespassing by activists — who got over the plant’s fence using a fire truck’s ladder — “did not have any consequences from a radiation safety perspective.”

However it added, “the event shows a need for permit holders to nuclear installations to carry out additional analysis of the possibility for, and consequences of, trespassing into secure areas.”

Around 50 activists were arrested on June 14th for taking part in Greenpeace’s action at Forsmark. Some were later released and 29 were fined by an Uppsala court on Thursday.

In their protest, the activists, who dressed up as renewable energy sources such as wind, water and sun, demanded Swedish parliamentarians reject a government proposal on replacing Sweden’s 10 existing nuclear reactors at the end of their lifespans.

Three days later, on June 17th, the parliament approved the proposal.

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GREENPEACE

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium

At least two people were hospitalised Tuesday after a Greenpeace activist crash-landed on the pitch before the Germany-France match at Euro 2020 when his powered parachute microlight struck spidercam cables at Munich's Allianz Arena.

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium
The activist lands on the turf of the Allianz Arena. credit: dpa | Christian Charisius

The pilot flew over the pitch just before kick-off in the Group F clash with “Kick out oil” written on the canopy of his parachute.

However, when the pilot hit television cables above the pitch, it knocked his microlight off balance and he landed on the turf after clipping one of the stands, where the casualties happened.

The activist was arrested soon after landing.

A Munich police spokesman told AFP that at least two people suffered head injuries and “both had to be taken to hospital, we don’t know yet how serious the injuries are”.

The police spokesman said the activist appears to have escaped injury, but “we are considering various criminal charges. Munich police has zero understanding for political actions that put lives at risk”.

UEFA also slammed the botched stunt.

“This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

The parachutist above the stadium. Photo: dpa | Matthias Balk

“The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”

The stunt was a protest against German car manufacturer Volkswagen, one of the sponsors of the European Championship, Greenpeace explained in a Twitter post.

“UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions,” said UEFA.

Greenpeace said they regretted any harm caused.

“This protest was never intended to disrupt the game or hurt people,” read a Twitter post on Greenpeace’s official German account.

“We hope that everyone is OK and that no one was seriously injured. Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent.”

“Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan.”

READ MORE: Climate activists rage as Germany opts for drawn-out coal exit

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