In protests against climate change and more effective climate action, actress and activist Jane Fonda was arrested Friday in Washington. She had participated in a demonstration in front of the US Capitol.
Fonda, along with other demonstrators on the steps on the east side of the Capitol, had voiced their demands for a more sustainable and climate-friendly economic and environmental policy. Policemen handcuffed the 81-year-old and led her to a police vehicle. A video of the arrest was then distributed online.
Ms @Janefonda taken into custody by @visitthecapitol police for taking a stand on the #ClimateCrisis #civildisobedience #FireDrillFriday pic.twitter.com/acWoVw2UpY
- Arlo Hemphill (@arlohemphill) October 11, 2019Fonda was one of 16 people arrested. They are accused of participating in an unauthorized demonstration as well as obstruction and disturbance of public order. The actress was released from police custody a few hours later.
The day before, Fonda had announced that it would protest every Friday in front of the Capitol against the climate catastrophe and thereby accept arrests. She was "inspired and encouraged by the incredible movement that has created our youth". Following Greta Thunberg's statement that the world is in flames, Fonda and her fellow campaigners have given their protest the title of "Fire Drill Friday".
As @GretaThunberg said, "JaneFonda, activists, indigenous leaders, experts, & community members are answering the alarm sounded by youth to demand action on the climate emergency.
Join us for #FireDrillFriday pic.twitter.com/XXanwTQs2w
In this climate policy fire-fighting exercise, Fonda said in a statement by the group, "We can no longer see how our elected officials not only ignore corporate action but, worse, promote it, destroying our planet for profit." ".
