Fine of 600 euros: climate activist convicted of road blockade

In February, twelve climate demonstrators blocked a motorway access in Berlin. One of the activists now has to pay a fine of 600 euros. “I take your goal very seriously, I disapprove of your means,” emphasizes the responsible judge. The defendant says he continues to stand by the crime.

After a blockade by climate demonstrators in Berlin, a 21-year-old was found guilty of coercion. The District Court of Berlin-Tiergarten imposed a fine of 600 euros on the student. He and other people blocked a motorway access and prevented many people from moving for about an hour and a half, the verdict said. The action was not registered, and it was not possible for those affected to avoid it. “I take your goal very seriously, I disapprove of your means,” said the presiding judge.

In February of this year, the accused sat down on the roadway with eleven other activists from the group “Uprising of the Last Generation” in the area of ??an access road to the A100 motorway. Two other demonstrators stuck themselves with super glue. The 21-year-old said in the process that he stood by the fact. “Despite the climate emergency, not enough is happening.” In his view, demonstrations would not be enough – “we have to disrupt in order to protect”. However, a rescue lane was taken care of during the campaign.

A penalty order was initially issued against the 21-year-old. Because he had lodged an objection, there was an oral hearing. “They specifically designed it to restrict the basic rights of other people, which is to be regarded as reprehensible,” said the judge.

The activists are demanding more action from the federal government in the fight against climate change. According to the judiciary, around 150 penal orders have now been issued at the request of the public prosecutor’s office after road blockades – five have become final without objection, in three cases there have now been convictions after a hearing. In one case, a judge refused to issue a penalty order. The public prosecutor’s office has lodged a complaint, which has not yet been decided.