20 activists detained trying to break into Maersk HQ over alleged Gaza links

Danish police detained 20 protesters on Monday after they urged shipping giant Maersk to cease allegedly transporting military equipment to Israel, which has been involved in a war in Gaza since October 2023.

Some 800 protestors were seen being able to breach a police barricade and try to reach the headquarters of Maersk in Copenhagen. Danish authorities used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

A police spokesperson explained, “We attempted to engage in dialogue to get the protesters to leave the private area. When that failed, we had to use necessary means to remove them.”

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those protesting outside Maersk’s headquarters in Copenhagen.

“We are here to demand that Maersk stop all transportation of weapons and weapon components to Israel,” Thunberg said. “They must terminate all contracts and investments supporting the genocide and occupation of Palestine.”

Thunberg, a prominent figure in the “Fridays for Future” climate movement, has been involved in multiple pro-Palestinian protests since the conflict began.

Maersk denies allegations

Maersk responded by denying that the shipments contained “weapons or ammunition,” clarifying that they involved military-related equipment under U.S.-Israeli security agreements.

“The shipments consist of military-related equipment and are part of U.S.-Israeli security cooperation. The cargo has been screened and complies with all relevant laws,” Maersk told AFP.