In more than 30 different places in Berlin, radical activists of the “last generation” paralyzed traffic, at least for a short time. Almost 1000 supporters of the climate stickers from all parts of the country have now gathered in the federal capital to take part in the road blockades. They believe that in this way they can wrestle a “credible plan” from the federal government on how climate protection can be implemented more effectively. The protests are encountering more and more resistance – even from various top politicians in the Green Party and various environmental groups.
However, the action on Monday is said to have only been the start. The capital is to be further paralyzed in the coming days – according to the organizers “until the federal government gives in”.
Protests by the climate stickers are growing – and with them the resentment about them
The protest was the largest of the last generation so far and at the same time it quickly became clear on the streets of Berlin today that the displeasure of the population is also growing.
No sooner had the first activists sat down on the asphalt with their banners and fixed them with superglue than the first curses flew at them, especially from motorists and motorcyclists, but also from a striking number of cyclists . Cyclists in particular were more on the side of the activists last year.
Police officers stand protectively in front of radical activists
At the large crossroads in the Tempelhof district, it was noticed again and again how police officers stood protectively in front of the activists. A number of times, officials pushed back short-tempered drivers who tried to vent their anger on demonstrators, most of whom had one hand glued to the pavement.
When a person standing right next to the activists filming a driver’s verbal outburst had his cell phone roughly knocked out of his hand, police officers immediately intervened. And when a strong, shaven-headed man in dark gear and black sunglasses tried to throw himself at one of the air-conditioning stickers with a yell, it was the police officers who immediately stopped the attack.
But instead of saying thank you, the activists only verbally attack the police officers, throwing accusations at them and thereby partially distorting the facts. A Last Generation press release summarizing Monday’s actions referred to “several videos” of “peaceful protesters being dragged off the streets with pain grabs.”
However, based on the only video attached to the statement, it is not really clear where such a pain grip should have been used. What is certain, however, is that without the protection of the climate stickers by the police, the situation during the actions would probably not only have escalated in an ugly way at one point.
Police are investigating possible misconduct by officers
It is also clear that the deployment of the police can also lead to border crossings. Apparently that’s what happened last Thursday, when police officers dragged activists off the street with possibly exaggerated harshness using so-called pain grips. A corresponding video was shared widely on social networks, and the police are now investigating allegations of misconduct against officials.
