Germany has spent hundreds of thousands of hours dealing with climate activists in Berlin since the start of the protests in early 2022, according to internal police documents. Last Generation and Extinction Rebellion activists have caused disruption, with Extinction Rebellion causing smoke bombs to detonate on the Hotel Adlon’s balcony near the Brandenburg Gate. Authorities have filed nearly 3,000 criminal charges since January 2022, with half related to forced driving. The activists have announced major protests starting on 23 April, with a rally at the Brandenburg Gate planned before Berlin is brought to a “standstill” from 24 April
How the Berlin police deal with the climate activists
Dozens of arrests after climate protests in the capital
Dozens of people were arrested in Berlin for possible crimes during climate protests. Activists from the groups Extinction Rebellion and Last Generation had smeared various buildings in Berlin with oil-like black paint and called for more efforts to protect the climate.
Last year, climate activists began blocking streets in the capital – since then police officers have had to intervene constantly. As WELT learned, hundreds of thousands of hours have been spent on this so far. From the coming week, even greater chaos threatens.
SSince the beginning of the climate protests in Berlin in early 2022, police officers in the capital have been on duty for a total of around 302,000 hours due to blockades and other actions by the activists. Not only members of the “Last Generation” were targeted by the officials, but also supporters of the group “Extinction Rebellion”. This emerges from internal police documents that are available to WELT.
The officials have processed almost 3,000 criminal charges since January 2022, identified 805 suspects and issued 743 fee notices. Half of the criminal complaints made relate to “forced driving”. Of the 805 suspects, 67 are multiple offenders with more than ten offenses each.
People were brought into custody 258 times, and this was actually ordered 57 times. Berlin police officers conducted 212 threat speeches. The police give such speeches to people who they believe could commit crimes. In addition, she issued a ban on gluing 17 people who had already taken part in campaigns of the “Last Generation” several times. The adhesive bans are in force for six months. If the activists concerned stick to the protests, they face fines of 2,000 euros each.
Climate activists from both groups are currently drawing attention to themselves with disruptive actions in the federal capital. On Thursday, members of “Extinction Rebellion” set off smoke bombs on the balcony of the Hotel Adlon across the street the Brandenburg Gate.
The “Last Generation” has announced that it will carry out major protests starting next week and will paralyze Berlin. A rally at the Brandenburg Gate has been announced for Sunday, April 23rd. From Monday, April 24th, Berlin should then come to a “standstill”, as it on the group’s website is called.
In conclusion, the Berlin police have been dealing with the disruptive activities of climate activists for more than a year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of hours spent on the issue. Despite their best efforts, the groups “Extinction Rebellion” and “Last Generation” continue to stage protests and aim to bring the city to a standstill next week. As this issue continues, it remains to be seen how the police will respond and what measures will be taken to maintain public order while respecting the right to protest.