Demolition in Denmark

Demolition crews today started tearing down the disputed building that was at the heart of massive civil unrest in Denmark. Workers wore face masks under their helmets to conceal their identities as an excavator slammed into the so-called "Youth House," a graffiti-sprayed brick building in the Noerrebro district of the Danish capital.

The rioting started on March 1 when police anti-terror squad evicted long-term squatters from the building, triggering three nights of clashes with youth.

At least 25 were injured as protesters hurled cobblestones at riot police and set fire to cars and trash bins in Copenhagen's worst riots in 14 years. Some 647 people have been arrested -- including 140 foreigners, mainly Germans and Scandinavians suspected of involvement in the disturbances. Another 227 have been taken into custody.

Countercultural hub sold

The center has had a cult reputation in Copenhagen since the 1980s when the city's council gave punks and squatters permission to move in. In 2001 the building was sold to a Christian group, which applied to have the squatters evicted.

According to Ruth Evenson, leader of the small Christian congregation that bought the house in 2001, the four-story structure was a "a total wreck. It would cost us a fortune to have it fixed." She declined to reveal the congregation's plans for the site.

The demolition crews were under police protection as they began the task that authorities hope will end the violent dispute. However fears that the demolition could spark further protests led police to cordon off the building in advance.

Tears as the bulldozers go in

Crowds of young people gathered as demolition work began on the building, which was constructed at the end of the 19th century as a community center.

"Why, why?" demanded Sarah, a tearful 14-year-old, who had skipped school and came to the scene when she heard "the sad news on the radio."

"They think the problem will disappear under the threat of the bulldozers. They are wrong. They can't kill the spirit of this house," she said.

On Sunday, one group laid flowers, lit candles and left farewell messages some 100 metres (330 feet) from the building.

A space for society's fringe

"I cried with sadness, and anger," said Marie, an 18-year-old student. She said she was a regular visitor to the center "which offered cultural activities that you can't find anywhere else in Denmark."

"I am not marginal. I think that society should leave room for all types, and for alternative culture as well, for which Youth House was a symbol," she added.

The Politiken newspaper has put the cost of the riots, including smashed windows and torched vehicles and clean-up operations, at $2.4 million.