On Good Friday, two activists from the environmental group Restore Wetlands were arrested at Malmö Airport in Sweden after trespassing. The two individuals were allegedly near or even on the runway and attempted to stop a departing aircraft. The incident, which was reported to police at around 14:14 p.m., is now being investigated on suspicion of aircraft sabotage.
The activists' action was directed against peat extraction in Sweden. A spokesperson for the group, Pontus Bergendahl, justified the disruptive action by arguing that visible protests are necessary in light of increasing repression against environmental activists. Restore Wetlands advocates for the protection and restoration of wetlands and criticizes peat extraction as harmful to these ecosystems and the climate.
Malmö Airport's operator, Swedavia, confirmed the incident and stated that the protests had caused minor delays to flight operations. However, the situation was under control and operations were returning to normal. The exact impact on the flight schedule was not initially disclosed in detail.
The police's classification of the incident as possible flight sabotage underscores the seriousness of the action. Interference with air traffic can pose significant security risks and is therefore usually prosecuted vigorously by the authorities. Investigations are expected to reveal further details about the background and consequences of the protest in the coming days.
and 