Enlarge image
Protest of the "Last Generation" in July in Berlin
Photo: Fabrizio Bensch / REUTERS
During street blockades and other protests of the »last generation«, Berlin police officers alone have now put in 233,000 hours of service.
Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) gave this number on Monday in the Interior Committee of the Berlin House of Representatives.
756 suspects were found, 2700 criminal charges were filed and 761 processes were identified.
Almost a year ago, the "last generation" started blocking streets, with activists sticking themselves to the road.
There were similar actions again on Monday: according to the police, eight people blocked the Beusselstraße exit on the A100 towards Wedding around eight o'clock.
Four would have stuck.
Spranger said in the committee that a fee of 241 euros would be charged per mission.
In the meantime, a fine of 2,000 euros would be imposed on suspects who had stuck themselves in Berlin more than eight times.
The interior senator rated the protest actions as "politically motivated crimes," but also said: "Nevertheless, the border to extremism has not yet been crossed." .
"We cannot and will not tolerate that."
When asked by a member of parliament for information on the payment of the activists by a Berlin association, the senator said that the "climate stickers" themselves had made public "that they are paid, that they receive donations".
The authorities would have a keen eye on where these funds come from.
"I don't know" that the Berlin Senate supports an association that pays the activists.
Expedited procedures against road blockers
Baden-Württemberg's Justice Minister Marion Gentges advocates so-called express procedures in connection with climate protests: "Traffic blockades by climate activists are generally suitable for being dealt with in an accelerated procedure," said the CDU politician to the German Press Agency.
Prerequisites for express procedures are easy-to-provide proof and facts that are not too complicated.
"Both conditions are present in these crimes," said Gentges.
Accelerated procedures are an option to negotiate faster and let the penalty follow more or less on the foot, said Gentges.
In Baden-Württemberg, they have been established at several locations and public prosecutor's offices and courts have been strengthened.
»Not much more needs to be determined«
With the verdicts on the same or sometimes the next day, the judiciary wants to avoid the time-consuming and costly process for smaller crimes.
Fast decisions in court should not only relieve public prosecutors and courts, but also victims, witnesses and even the perpetrators.
"If an activist is stuck on the street, not much needs to be investigated," said Gentges.
“The evidence is clear.
After determining the personal data, such an act is well suited for quick sanctions.« A quick punishment can also have a deterrent effect.
ala/dpa
