No A44: Stiftswald near Kassel occupied - activists against motorway construction

Created: 05/23/2022, 19:12

By: Lucas Maier

Occupied forest near Kassel: Activists want more than just squatting.

© Lucas Maier

After the Dannenröder forest, a forest near Kassel has now been occupied.

The activists want to prevent further construction of the A44.  

Kaufungen – Activists occupied the Stiftswald near Kassel today (May 23).

About 15 kilometers from the documenta city, they now live in the trees on the planned route of the A44.

Similar to the Dannenröder forest, which was cleared in 2020, the preservation of the forest is also demanded in the Stiftswald.

On the first day of the occupation, a family moved into the first platform at a height of around 3 meters.

"Clearing the forest for a motorway would border on endangering the welfare of children," Kolja said in an interview with fr.de.

A member of the citizens' initiative "No A44 - traffic turnaround now!

“, which had previously provided the activists with food, nods in agreement.

Protest in the forest near Kassel: It should be more than "just" an occupation

But the activists want more than just occupying.

With their campaign, they also want to show that life outside of social norms is possible.

"The occupation should be a longer project, we want to create a place here where people can live safely and freely," said Lado in an interview with fr.de.

Identities of the activists

For fear of repression, the squatters use pseudonyms that do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about their identity.

Several police officers were also present when the occupation began.

Five emergency services inspected the activists' buildings.

However, after a brief assessment of the occupation and a brief conversation with the activists, the police forces withdrew again.

At the moment, the legal situation must first be clarified in consultation with the owner of the forest, police spokeswoman Ulrike Schaake said on request.

Against the A44: The first offer of talks by the activists has already been rejected

According to Torsten Felstehausen, member of the Landtag, who was on site as a parliamentary observer, the monastery forest is owned by the knightly monastery in Kaufungen.

The activists had already made an initial offer to talk to the forest ranger.

Occupation near Kassel: activists want to prevent the further construction of the A44.

© Lucas Maier

According to the activists, however, this was rejected immediately.

The next few days will show how things will continue in the Stiftswald.

The decisive factor here is primarily the legal assessment on the part of the police.

(Lucas Maier)