Activists Block Varšavska Street in Zagreb
February 08 2010, 08:50
The activists of Right to a City (Pravo na grad) and Zelena akcija (Green Action) environmental association started the permanent vigil in Varšavska Street in Zagreb, last night, about 4:00 hours, in the attempts to prevent the Hoto Group plans to dig the access ramp for the underground garage of the „Cvjetni“ project (formerli „Cvjetni prolaz“).With the decision on the appeal of the citizens of Varšavska street expected today, and having in mind that the two associations don’t believe works will stop, regardless of the ruling, activists moved to set-up a continuous vigil in the street. They transported two shipping containers to the street, which will serve as info-points for citizens that want to join in the “Human Wall for Varšavska” action.
The containers were chosen because they are much more difficult to remove than the protesters bodies. Also, they make the digging rather difficult. Croatian actor Vili Matula explains that the action is an exercise in civic disobedience to "prevent opening of holes in the public space".
The Head of the City Department of Communal Affairs Davor Jelavi? says that the two containers will be removed by the police, and if the communal services are forced to do it, a bill will be presented for the works to the persons and/or organizations that brought them in.
Teodor Celakoski from the Pravo na Grad told net.hr that the Police came to Varšavska earlier this morning, but decided not to remove the shipping containers when activists climbed up the containers.
Mind you, I am not a pessimist, but that is how investors and owners of the Hoto Group thinks (together with the City of Zagreb - the partner in the project; Tehnika - the contractor; and, according to rumour, Hypo Bank as eminence grise of the project). Furthermore, although works were suspended because an appeal was filed regarding the decision of the City Hall to issue Hoto Group a working permit, we shouldn't be surprised if contractors recommence works in a couple of days or even later this evening. The fine they will have to pay for the violation of the 15-day suspension of works pending a decision in the appeal procedure, is minor compared to the capital that backs the project.
On the other hand, in spite of taking up the role of David in this fight, the organizers won the round. The works have stopped, for at least a fortnight, and, judging from the activists' views and opinions, they intend to continue to blockade, whatever the ruling on the appeal may be.