Some time ago, we identified datacentres as a threat that urged us to take action. They are not only the concretization of the huge power held by big tech and the demonstration of their worldwide fascist and imperialist agenda. They also impact the very place where they are situated: land grabbing, water consumption, pollution and excessive energy usage, imposed without democratic consultation. Datacentres are at the heart of many struggles. Therefore, we joined the fight against this machinery of mass surveillance, militarism and ecocide. We noticed that the momentum against datacentres didn’t reach Belgium yet. So, we decided to be part of the journey towards such momentum. Having no idea of the challenges that we would have to face, we started organizing our first festive occupation with enthusiasm, energy and determination.
With our festive occupation, we came to the idea of a militant and festive village, with the collaboration of the free party scene. This would initially take place on the construction site of Google’s new datacentre. Our principal objective was to build alliances and show our presence and solidarity towards the local community. Experimenting with new ways of organizing – like announcing the target publicly – is never easy, but we are convinced that this was an important step in building a lasting struggle around datacentres and the technofascist empire. Furthermore, we had to face some unforeseen challenges. While a wave of repression put pressure on many people, a climate induced heatwave further lowered energy levels, we didn’t give up. We took charge of the situation and adapted the plan. We adapted our timing to ensure the safety of our participants during this intense heat. This had an impact on the planning. Workshops had to be canceled to make sure we could march through the village, flyer and talk to the neighbors. Police blockades prolonged our march considerably. Combined with the context of heightened surveillance, this also impacted the flow of information. Which we recognize caused confusion. Additionally yet another challenge, in the form of climate induced storm, was waiting around the corner. We monitored the situation as well as we could, but information about the hour and the intensity of the storm was hard to obtain. So, we decided to move forward. Once arrived at the second meeting location, the tents and music were set up. It was time to relax and rest a bit, but the food still needed to arrive. People were hungry and the energy was a bit low. It was quite difficult to bring the food closer. Drivers had difficulties due to police blockades. Finally, the food arrived but at that moment, the storm hit us hard, we had to take shelter and wait. After a while, the storm stopped. We checked whether everyone was safe and started organizing drivers from people who wanted to leave. A small group stayed and enjoyed the music till the early morning. During the whole action some people were arrested, others were searched and photographed, and others left without too much difficulties.
We faced many challenges, and surely made some mistakes along the way. We are open to listen to your stories, receive feedback and do better. We are proud of our action: we disturbed Google (the construction work was cancelled as a precautionary measure for several days), local people supported us and joined the demonstration, and we took action against this destructive project with our joy for dancing, resisting to police presence and climate fury.
Today, we are determined to pursue the work against datacentres: we are currently building a collective strategy of escalation by connecting with other collectives, organizations, and people. This co-construction is essential to broaden the struggle, making it more efficient, inclusive and sustain it on the long term. Although we did a smaller-scale action, our approach remains organizing radical mass actions and welcoming a diversity of tactics and actors. Just like us, different mass movements like Ende Gelände, Geef Tegengas, Soulèvements de la Terre France, that use direct action, have experienced a decrease of participants. We remain a radical mass movement fighting oppression, imperialism and capitalism. Being radical makes us proud. For us, it means building inclusive collaborations and focusing on a diversity of tactics and partners. Direct action works. Mass actions work. They have impact and create space for resistance. We are a mass movement hit by a wave of repression. We understand that this might have impacted your trust and engagement in the movement. You are not alone. We are not alone. We are a network of resistance. We are a network of solidarity. Let’s be proud together. Let’s be in solidarity together. Let’s fight together.
In the coming months, we decided to slow down while keep organizing for a longer term strategy. One of our priorities is the well-being of our movement. We will focus on reaching out and reinforcing our links to a wider network of resistance. Repression is not an individual problem, it’s a collective problem, and thus a collective strategy is needed. By working more on trust, transparency and communication we will be stronger than before. We won’t stop organizing, datacentres are a threat and urge us to take action. We invite you to actively join one of the working groups, and be part of the change. We invite you to show your solidarity and support, and be part of the change. We invite you to reconnect, and be part of the change.
Thank you,
If you have been part of Code Red in the past, and you would like to reconnect, please reach out to us.
If you want to engage in the movement for the first time, there will soon be an onboarding event.