Copenhagen’s libertarian Christiana neighbourhood, an old hippie paradise tainted in recent years by drug trafficking violence, is clearing out its famous Pusher Street, where cannabis used to be sold freely.
In late August, the so-called Christianite residents decided to close the street, known for its hashish stalls, after the fourth murder in three years shattered the image of a free-spirited and peaceful community.
Pusher Street has deteriorated into being a really not very nice place, a spokeswoman for the Christianites said.
We’re going to clear the area. So we are removing all the shops and the small cannabis shops. That’s our first task in the morning, she said.
While the shops have always reappeared after being destroyed several times by the police, this time the actual cobblestones will be torn up.
We want to be associated with what we were associated with before… art, culture and plays. We want to make it a nice place for people to come and chill out, she continued.
Since Christiania, contrary to urban legend, is part of Denmark, police raids in the area have become more frequent.
For too long we have accepted that pushers were selling weed and drugs. About five or 10 years ago, it was primarily locals. But right now we see that it’s mostly gangs and biker gangs that drive this drug market, a Copenhagen police officer explained.
In August, the locals blocked access to the free city for non-residents for one day in the hope of freeing Christiania from the tyranny of gangs. The neighbourhood usually sees around half a million tourists a year.
With this new chapter, the residents want to clean (the street) up and make it nice.
Christiania is located on an island abundant with greenery, where you can hear birds chirping.
It also aims to start the construction of housing for about 300 new residents.
Though the details of the project have not yet been decided, residents hope it will attract families with children.
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