Battle of Ryesgade

</image> <image source="map"></image> <label>Type</label> <label>Level</label> <label>Location</label> <label>Inhabitants</label> </infobox>The Battle of Ryesgade was a nine-day long takeover of several streets in the Osterbro neighbourhood by autonomists in Copenhagen, Denmark in September 1986.

Timeline of the Battle

14th of September (Sunday)

A thousand people gathered in the centre of Copenhagen to plan a march to the park to protest the eviction. But suddenly broke away during the march and ran to the Ryesgade area, confusing the police. Police attempted to break through the barricades, but the autonomists threw Molotovs, fireworks, bricks, and slung catapults, driving them back. The police attempted to attack another side of the area, but were again fought back, retreating. The barricades were reinforced and a huge street party began. Hundreds of people slept at the barricades in preparation for the next attack.

15th of September (Monday)

The police attempted to attack two barricades at the same time and the autonomists in Ryesgade threw stones and bricks, and broke through one. But a hundred autonomists attacked them from behind, forcing them to flee, and the police didn't try to break the barricades again that day.

16th of September (Tuesday)

The Danish media begins reporting on the situation, denouncing the autonomists as terrorists and crazy. Parties are held in the Ryesgade commune, with rock bands performing concerts.

17th of September (Wednesday)

Several corporations offer the government to buy the house.

19th of September (Friday)

Police declare the neighborhood in exceptional circumstances, anyone trying to get in and out is arrested immediately.

21st of September (Sunday)

Support demonstrations are held in several places in the country and Sweden and Germany in support of the occupied house.

23rd of September (Tuesday)

In the morning, reporters find the area empty, the squatters had silently escaped.

Ryesgade Commune

The residents of Ryesgade strongly supported the Autonomists, who went food shopping for elderly residents of the neighborhood who were afraid to venture out beyond the barricades because of possible police reprisals. The network of free radio stations in Denmark provided support for the four hundred people in the Ryesgade by sponsoring open mike debates and calling for food, blankets, and supplies to be delivered to the “liberated area.”

One of the first acts in the commune was to torch a building owned by Sperry Corporation, a US multinational involved in the production of Cruise and Pershing missiles. As one autonomist explained: “It’s not enough to talk. Love is a battle. We are fighting homelessness and gentrification, but also the USA, South Africa, and capitalism to show our solidarity. Many of us have been to work in Nicaragua. Now the battle comes home.”