Several ‘Extinction Rebellion’ activists blocked the way to Norway’s oil and energy ministry for over five hours on Monday.
Norway’s police later came, cleared the crowds and arrested some protesters.
Nearly 17 protesters occupied the reception in the ministry, while tens of others remained outside.
Activists with the phrase “Ban oil” on their palms stopped people from getting into the ministry in Central Oslo.
The protesters said this blockade is part of a 10-day protest against Norway’s oil industry.
Norway is the largest producer of crude and natural gas in Western Europe, as it produces nearly four million oil barrels per day.
Norway’s police started clearing the crowds and the building by afternoon and said they detained 19 people from inside the ministry.
The police force tweeted that it arrested another 29 protesters when they tried to block a major road in the city.
Climate change has become the center of attention ahead of the September 13 election.
In this election, people expect Norway’s center-left opposition to defeat the office-holding Conservative coalition.
Norway’s activists
“For decades we have written letters, we have spoken out, we have demonstrated,” said activist Hanna Jakobsen, while protesting.
“You let us speak but you’re not listening. This is why we do peaceful civil disobedience now,” the 22-year-old added.
Jakobsen said they are doing these protests because they are now “desperate.”
Tina Bru, Norway’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy said she worries about climate change but criticized the protesters’ actions.
“We’ll never succeed in the fight against climate change if we scrap democracy on the way,” Bru stated.
The ‘Extinction Rebellion’ also plans other protests in different places in Europe.
Moreover, the protests will start on Monday in London and extend for two weeks.
Early this week, ‘Extinction Rebellion’ activists blocked access to an oil export facility on Norway’s west coast.
This caused the Equinor-run company to temporarily stop loading oil.
