Greenpeace activists stage climate protest inside WEF meeting in Davos

By Max Schwarz and Yves Herman

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) -Greenpeace activists staged a brief climate change protest just outside the main hall of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting on Thursday, as business and political leaders gathered for this week’s event in Davos.

Dressed in dark suits and white shirts, three protesters made it into the Congress Centre and scaled a lobby balcony before unfurling a large banner saying: “Tax the super-rich. Fund a just & green future”.

Security staff intervened and escorted the protesters away, shortly before the official opening ceremony and a speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

A source familiar with the situation said there was no security threat from the protest and that the activists had been badge-holders for the event, working for one of its providers.

Greenpeace activist Clara Thompson later told Reuters that the three demonstrators had been released after they were held in a police station in Davos following the protest.

“They had their ways and means, I can’t say any more,” Thompson said when asked how they had got inside the event.

The WEF said in a statement that it “respects the right to peaceful expression”, adding that it was reviewing the matter and placed “the highest priority on ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants and staff”.

Tuesday’s message to business and political leaders attending the meeting in Switzerland echoed another protest by Greenpeace, during which activists blocked the Davos heliport.

Security is tight for the WEF meeting, where one of the main themes for discussion this week is “safeguarding the planet”.

“In an increasingly polarized and fragmented world, continuing to provide a platform for such dialogue has never been more essential,” the WEF said in its statement.

Demonstrators protesting over fossil fuel subsidies had also on Monday splattered green paint on the shop front where Amazon (NASDAQ:) has set up a temporary base on the main street.