Black Lives Matter: Thousands in Copenhagen to hit streets for massive demo

Well over 10,000 people expected to turn up at the US Embassy on Sunday to heed the call for change

Thousands of Copenhagen residents will hit the streets on Sunday to lend their voice to the global call to end discrimination following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Sunday’s protest called the I Cant Breathe DEMO will begin at 14:00 outside the US Embassy in Østerbro and continue for two hours.

As of Friday afternoon, about 8,000 people have signed up to attend on Facebook, while another 12,000 have indicated an interest in taking part.

It follows a similar demonstration a week ago in the capital where 2,000 people expressed their outrage as well as protests in Aarhus and Odense in recent days.

READ ALSO: Thousands march in Copenhagen in protest against George Floyd’s death

‘Deafening silence’
Black Lives Matter Denmark said Sunday’s event will demand that the government speak up against the “brutality and murders by their close ally” the United States. It will also call for measures to “root out systemic racism in Denmark and the USA”.

“Denmark’s silence is deafening,” said Black Lives Matter Denmark, a group that aims to address injustices against people of colour in the country.

The government, through a joint statement of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), condemned violence and racism in the US, foreign minister Jeppe Kofod said in a tweet on Thursday. The OSCE statement also expressed concern about attacks against journalists covering the US protests.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus fears raised as thousands gather in super-spreader BLM protest crowds across Denmark

Corona precautions
Organisers of Sunday’s protest urged those who wish to attend to follow government guidelines on social distancing to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. The current guidelines require a one-metre distance between people.

They also asked demonstrators to avoid hugging each other and to wear masks if necessary.

Experts have warned that the demonstrations risk becoming so-called super-spreading events because of an increased risk of transmission when big crowds are gathered.

People in cities worldwide, including in Denmark, have marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice since the May 25 death of Floyd.

Floyd’s death put the spotlight not just on racism in the US but also in other societies across the globe.




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees