Peeking out from Copenhagen’s historical narrative stands OXA. OXA is Denmark’s oldest radio station. It echoes stories of innovation and resistance. OXA’s story is closely linked to the city’s vibrant squatter movement.
Throughout the 1980s, Copenhagen faced conflicts. Squatters clashed with the City Council and property owners. These young people occupied empty buildings. They used them for free housing. They also created alternative cultural centers. This movement gained momentum due to high unemployment. Poor housing conditions fueled the unrest. The squatters aimed for self-organization. They wanted control without city influence.
Tensions escalated. In March 1982, a violent confrontation occurred. Squatters attacked the police. This marked a turning point. Peaceful resistance ended. The squatters then made significant advances. They established collectives. Police initially did not intervene. Allotria and Bazooka became infamous sites. Bazooka even offered a housing service. It showed empty houses to those in need.
As squatting grew, so did community support. The squatters took a harder line. “The One-Day War” saw violent resistance. Squatters set up barricades. They pelted police. In October 1982, the council yielded. It handed over Ungdomshuset. This was an old building on Jagtvej 69. The council hoped the squatters would settle there. But other squatted houses remained occupied. The city then launched a wave of evictions.
In 1983, squatters occupied Ryesgade 58. Experienced squatters moved in discreetly. They established a well-organized collective. Each floor maintained its section. Ryesgade 58 became the squatters’ unofficial headquarters. It hosted political activities and foreign squatters. New squats emerged around Copenhagen.
Negotiations with UNGBO began in 1984. UNGBO was meant to tackle youth housing issues. The squatters wanted autonomous housing status for Ryesgade 58. In June 1986, the City Council rejected the agreement. They ordered UNGBO to evict Ryesgade 58. The squatters prepared to defend the house.
A demonstration supporting the house occurred on September 14. Over 2000 masked demonstrators gathered. They marched towards Nørrebro. The police were outnumbered. The demonstration moved towards Ryesgade. Squatters set up barricades. They wore masks and combat boots. Molotov cocktails were prepared. A banner declared, “Rather die standing up, then living life on your knees.” Demonstrators expanded the barricades. They turned the street into a fortress. Police attacked. They were turned back.
On the second day, police surrounded the squatters. Citizens and reporters also arrived. The police planned to storm the barricades. But the presence of noncombatants made it impossible. The defenders organized into six groups. They defended barricades and the house. Police attacked at 1:30 am. They were forced to retreat. They then tried entering through back alleys. Local residents warned the squatters. The police were trapped. Tear gas ended the police attack. The police focused on containing the squatters.
The situation became national news. The press criticized the squatters. Squatters held a press conference. They issued a manifesto. It attacked the city council. They declared they would not leave until negotiations reopened.
Compromises failed. The police planned a final assault. It involved armored bulldozers. Faced with a bloodbath, the squatters left.
The squatters left a final manifesto. It stated their refusal to be part of a sick game. They chose to live and fight another day. The struggle continued. OXA stands as a testament to this history of resistance. It reminds us of the ongoing struggle for housing rights. It shows the power of community action.