Demolition crews under police protection on Monday began tearing down a Copenhagen youth centre after three days of rioting sparked by the eviction of squatters from the building. Almost 650 people have been arrested during the disturbances that rocked the Danish capital.
Workers had their faces covered to protect their identities as they began demolishing the Ungdomhuset, "the youth house", which had been a haven for punks and squatters since the 1980s.
Violence first erupted on Thursday in the Noerrebro and Christianshavn neighbourhoods when police evicted squatters from the building. Police feared the demolition of the centre could spark further protests. They cordoned off the building before the demolition operation began.
During three nights of disturbances, rioters hurled petrol bombs and stones. Some 647 people have been arrested - including 140 foreigners, mainly Germans and Scandinavians suspected of involvement in the disturbances - with 227 placed in custody.
The centre has had a cult reputation in Copenhagen since the 1980s when the city's council gave punks and squatters permission to move in. An August 2006 court ruling ordered the centre evicted however.
People stood near the Ungdomhuset criticised the demolition of the building put up at the end of the 19th century as a community centre. "This is a very sad day. They're taking away a place young people love so much and that has been a centre for activities and creativity," one woman told Danish television TV2. On Sunday, one group laid flowers, lit candles and left farewell messages some 100 metres (330 feet) from the building.
"I cried with sadness, and anger," 18-year-old student Marie told AFP. Marie was a regular visitor to the centre "which offered cultural activities that you can't find anywhere else in Denmark."
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