They stick to the asphalt, blocking early traffic on major routes. Even paintings by famous artists are not safe from them. Now the climate activists of the “Last Generation” group want to expand their radical protests.
“We will take our protest to all areas that will be affected by the climate catastrophe,” activist Carla Rochel told German TV channel RTL on Sunday. Rochel said in the “Sterne TV am Sonntag” program that her movement did not participate in a “popularity contest”: the activists are “not about being liked – but to make society aware that we are in a climate catastrophe.” . When asked, the 20-year blockades at German airports did not rule out. In Amsterdam, climate activists partially shut down Schiphol on Saturday (see tweet below).
The “Last Generation” group recently caused a stir with road traffic blockades and attacks on famous paintings. However, the political dispute over the climate activists’ actions has intensified since last week a cyclist was run over by a cement mixer during a protest blockade in Berlin. A special fire brigade vehicle was stuck in a traffic jam due to the blockade on Monday and therefore arrived late at the accident site. The Berlin police have prosecuted two protesters, including for failing to provide aid. The cyclist succumbed to her injuries in hospital on Thursday.
Debate on tightening criminal law
CDU and CSU politicians are pushing for a tightening of criminal law. The traffic light coalition emphasizes that despite the “ongoing radicalization of parts of the climate movement”, sufficient legal instruments are available. The “Bild am Sonntag” (“BamS”) reported that the Union faction wanted to introduce a bill to tighten criminal law in the Bundestag this week. Roadblocks obstructing the passage of police, fire brigade and rescue services should therefore receive a minimum prison sentence in the future and activists should also be able to be arrested as a precaution if there is a risk of recurrence. According to “BamS”, the Union is demanding a minimum prison sentence for damaging cultural objects instead of the fine that was in force until now.
Climate protests should not be “licensed to commit crimes,” CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt told the newspaper. Significantly tougher penalties for climate chaos are needed to counter further radicalization in parts of this climate movement and deter followers.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
