Pro-Palestine activists block access to Maersk headquarters in Copenhagen

By Ebad Ahmed

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AA) – Pro-Palestine activists blocked the entrance to the headquarters of shipping giant Maersk in the Danish capital Copenhagen on Monday, demanding that the company cease transporting military equipment to Israel, according to reports from state media.

The activist group Mask off Maersk organized the protest, arriving early to block access to the company’s main office on the Esplanade.

In addition to the blockade, some protesters climbed onto the roof above the main entrance, displaying banners with slogans such as “Break the connection to genocide!”

The protest was part of a broader campaign calling on companies to stop facilitating arms shipments amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Activists accuse Maersk of contributing to military operations by allegedly transporting defense-related materials to Israel.

Danish police were called to the scene to monitor the situation. Authorities have not reported any arrests, though officers were seen engaging with demonstrators while attempting to clear access to the headquarters. Maersk has not yet issued an official response to the protest.

Four human rights organizations filed a lawsuit against Denmark last year, alleging that the country violated its legal obligations by allowing arms exports to Israel.

The case was filed against the Danish Foreign Ministry and the Danish National Police by Amnesty International Denmark, Oxfam Denmark, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke and the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq.

As a signatory to both the UN Arms Trade Treaty and the EU Common Rules for Arms Exports, Denmark is required to ensure that exports of weapons and military equipment from Danish companies do not contribute to violations of international law.