Renowned climate change activist Greta Thunberg was detained by German police Tuesday while protesting the demolition of a village for a coal mine, according to multiple reports.
The Swedish activist, 20, traveled to western Germany to protest against the demolition of the village of Luetzerath, participating in demonstrations at the site throughout the weekend.
Thunberg’s detention comes days after she and other protestors were reportedly removed from the site, according to The Hill.
Here’s what we know about Thunberg’s situation:
Why was Greta Thunberg detained?
Several activists protesting the demolition of the village ran over to an open pit mine, according to local German media.
They stood at the brink of the open pit, which has a sharp break-off edge. Police said it was dangerous and people were prohibited from staying there.
Thunberg was one of the people at the brink of the pit taken by police.
What are police saying?
A spokesperson for the Aachen police confirmed to Reuters Thunberg was part of the group near the edge, and said she was stopped and “carried by us with this group out of the immediate danger area to establish their identity.”
Is Greta Thunberg going to jail?
German media outlet Bild reported after police had detained Thunberg, she was taken to an area where other detained protestors were being held. She was then escorted and placed into the back of a police van, but the destination of the van was unknown.
A police spokesperson told Reuters Thunberg, as well as the other detained protestors, will be released later in the day, the outlet reported.
“There is no reason to hold them for days. It might take hours or they will go immediately,” a spokesperson told the outlet.
Why are people protesting in Germany?
Activists have cited the symbolic importance of Luetzerath for years, and thousands of people demonstrated Saturday against the razing of the village for the expansion of the Garzweiler coal mine by the energy giant RWE.
Tension has been building between protestors and police throughout the weekend, as some protesters have complained of what they say was undue force by police and about the size of the police response this week. Police said some demonstrators had thrown fireworks at officers and damaged patrol cars.
Contributing: Associated Press
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