# Activists break into Microsoft data centre site in Amsterdam

> Riot police used batons and pepper spray as protesters targeted the construction site in Sloterdijk.

Society · published 2026-11-06 13:25 · https://nlnow.nl/a/activists-break-into-microsoft-data-centre-site-in-amsterdam-6768/

Police and the riot police (ME) used batons to hold activists back, and pepper spray was also used. Police kettled the group on the Basisweg. The demonstration was banned by the mayor.

Activists climbed into a crane and scaffolding on the site and hung a banner reading 'down with the datacentre, f*** AI'. Geef Tegengas wants to halt construction of the data centre.

Activists had also occupied and blocked the construction site in June earlier this year, and Extinction Rebellion joined that campaign with a night-time action. Microsoft said it understands the project stirs strong feelings.

From NLnow, news from the Netherlands in English. How stories are made: https://nlnow.nl/about/