Danish youths set fires, attack police in 5th night of violence

COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Rioting youths set fire to cars and trash bins and hurled rocks at police overnight as a spate of vandalism continued in Copenhagen and other Danish cities.

Nine youths were arrested in the capital after a fifth consecutive night of unrest, mostly in immigrant neighborhoods. Six of them would likely be charged with violence for throwing rocks at police officers, Copenhagen police operations chief Per Larsen said Friday. There were no reports of injuries.

Police said they were not sure what triggered the unrest last weekend. Some observers said immigrant youths were protesting against perceived police harassment, and suggested the reprinting of a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in Danish newspapers Wednesday, may have aggravated the situation.

"It has been a very busy night for the police and the firefighters here," said Henrik Andreasen, a spokesman for police in the western suburbs of Copenhagen. "It has been a bit insane."

Firefighters responded to dozens of fires in and around the capital. About 10 cars were torched in Kokkedal, north of Copenhagen, while a school in Bagsvaerd, west of the city, was partly destroyed in a presumed arson, police said.

In some cases, firefighters said they were hindered from putting out the fires by rock-throwing youths.

There were also reports of fires and vandalism in other Danish cities, including Aarhus, Ringsted and Slagelse. No arrests were made in those cities.

Back to top
Home  >  Europe

Latest News

Justin Mott for the International Herald Tribune
When King Pakubuwono XII died four years ago, he left six mistresses with 35 children, but no wife, no heir and no instructions about the succession.
The IHT's managing editor, Alison Smale, discusses the week in world news.
Mark Simon looks at the independent films on show at the 2008 Forum.
The IHT's managing editor, Alison Smale, discusses the week in world news.
The IHT's managing editor, Alison Smale, discusses the week in world news.
The IHT's managing editor discusses the results of the presidential nominating contests in 24 U.S. states.
An ad campaign in Germany aims to boost the country's low birth rate.
George Whitman, owner of Shakespeare & Co., and his daughter Sylvia, talk about the Paris bookshop.
The IHT's managing editor, Alison Smale, discusses the week in world news.
Katrin Bennhold talks about what to expect from this year's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The IHT's managing editor, Alison Smale, discusses the week in world news.