Activists arrested in Sweden during Arctic military exercise
Seven activists protesting against the international military exercise Arctic Challenge were arrested for trespassing on Tuesday when they entered one of the airports taking part in the exercise, Swedish Radio’s local channel in Norrbotten reports.
The activists were apprehended by security personnel at Luleå-Kallax airport in northern Sweden around lunchtime and according to the local flight base, F 21, the action has not affected the exercise in any way.
“Our staff worked professionally and efficiently to avoid any accidents. The activists’ presence at the airport posed a threat to themselves and to other people,” says Louise Levin, Head of Information at the base.
Related stories from around the North:
Denmark: Nordics to step up security cooperation on perceived Russian threat, Yle News
Finland: Finnish fighter jet broke sound barrier during unspecified operation, air force declines comment, Yle News
Norway: Norway must ramp up military in response to Russia: report, Barents Observer
Russia: Russia responds to Arctic NATO drill, Barents Observer
Sweden: Arctic Challenge Exercise begins over North Sweden, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. Arctic rep: Russia’s Arctic buildup not necessarily martial, Alaska Public Radio Network
