The Munich Public Prosecution Service recently labeled the last generation of climate protectors as criminals. The Vienna public prosecutor’s office is now also investigating suspicions of the formation of a criminal organization. The basis are the recent protests. The demonstrators used a mixture of sand and super glue to cement themselves on the southern highway (A2) and the Vienna Ring.
“The protests have reached a new level,” authority spokeswoman Judith Ziska said as she explained the launch of an investigation on Monday. According to the Public Prosecution Service, the initial suspicion is that highways and traffic junctions, as parts of the vital infrastructure, have been seriously damaged. Heavy equipment was also needed to remove the activists from the streets.
“Damage to parts of the vital infrastructure”
In this context, Ziska mentioned the definition of a criminal organization according to Article 278 of the Criminal Code. It refers, among other things, to the commission of “non-minor property damage”. “This refers to damage to property that is directed against essential parts of the vital infrastructure.”
It has not been announced how many people are involved in the investigation. The Last Generation, in turn, spoke about 23 people against whom action has so far been taken under Article 278 of the Criminal Code.
More than a week ago, the Vienna public prosecutor’s office had already requested pre-trial detention for serious material damage against the well-known German climate activist Anja Windl after an action involving so-called ‘mummy hands’. However, the regional court rejected the request. As is now known, proceedings are also underway against Windl for forming a criminal organization.
The lawyer assumes that the procedure will be discontinued
“Section 278 of the Criminal Code was created to combat organized crime,” said lawyer Ralf Niederhammer, who, together with other criminal lawyers, represents the climate protectors. “Now it is being used against a social movement that is perceived as ‘annoying’.” The lawyer expects the procedure to be stopped.
Activists speak of ‘criminalization of peaceful protests’
The “Last Generation” spoke Monday about the “criminalization of peaceful protests” and reiterated its demands on politicians. “Once the Climate Council’s recommendations are implemented, our protests will no longer be necessary,” said activist Laila Fuisz. “We are committed to continuing actions until the government begins to implement the Climate Council’s recommendations,” spokeswoman Marina Hagen-Canaval added.
Source: Krone
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