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Demonstrators from the »Last Generation« group blocked an exit from the city motorway in the Schöneberg district (photo from July)
Photo: Paul Zinken / picture alliance / dpa
Berlin is taking tougher action against the climate protection activists who are blocking the streets of the capital.
A fine of 2,000 euros has been imposed on "repeat offenders" since the end of November, a spokesman for the Senate Department for the Interior, Digitization and Sport told SPIEGEL, thereby confirming a report by "Welt".
The eighth time the fine is threatened.
With a so-called restriction notice, the person is informed of what is specifically prohibited, such as sticking or chaining.
If the person concerned is then found blocking a street again, the fine will be imposed.
This has happened in one case so far.
He was not aware that the person concerned had already paid the sum, the spokesman said.
It is also possible to appeal against the decision.
The reason for the new measures was "no singular event".
Rather, the activists would "take the whole city hostage."
The penalty payment is a measure that is only used against specific "offences" but not against freedom of assembly in and of itself.
Berlin's Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) told the "Welt" that the Berlin police and interior administration were "using all legal means" with regard to the blockades.
Protests in Berlin and Munich
There had been raids on members of the "Last Generation" on Tuesday.
Eleven apartments in seven federal states were searched.
Now the police and the public prosecutor's office are evaluating confiscated written documents and digital data.
The lead public prosecutor's office in Neuruppin is still investigating the allegation of the formation of a criminal organization due to attacks on the PCK oil refinery in Schwedt in north-eastern Brandenburg.
There is a suspicion that the purpose of the group is at least aimed at committing crimes of "sufficient weight".
Among other things, the oil supply was interrupted in the refinery.
The climate protectionists did not let the investigations and the threat of penalties stop them: there were new roadblocks and protests in Berlin and Munich.
According to the police, about 20 people sat in Berlin at three intersections and caused traffic jams.
In Munich, according to the police, blockers failed because of the wet and cold weather when trying to stick themselves to a street.
The two protesters sat on the street with a banner.
bbr/dpa