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Activists of the "Last Generation" at a street blockade: Online form for supporters prepared
Photo: CHRISTIAN MANG / REUTERS
The climate activists of the "last generation" are calling on their supporters to report themselves en masse to the Neuruppin public prosecutor's office.
Two weeks ago, they had the homes of eleven members of the group searched because they had initially suspected the formation of a criminal organization.
The background is apparently mainly actions in which oil pipelines were turned off in spring 2022.
The public prosecutor's office had said that a "low, double-digit number of people" were accused.
So by no means everyone who is involved in actions.
Now the group goes on the offensive.
She has prepared an e-mail for all supporters and also prepared an online form with which the self-disclosure can be sent directly.
The e-mail has the subject line: »voluntary disclosure for Section 129 criminal association, reference number 326 Js 14549/22«.
The text then says: "I see myself as a member and supporter of the last generation and would therefore like you to include me in your examinations." Section 129 StGB does not.
Nevertheless, I invite you to investigate me in order to be able to examine this in court.«
Go on the offensive
The website informs that self-disclosure is "not without risk" and that even a preliminary investigation can "entail unpleasant consequences, such as house searches".
Then follows the suggestion: »If you can imagine taking the risk of criminalization together with us in a desperate attempt to protect our livelihoods, then show your support by reporting yourself!«
In activist circles, the house searches and the accusation of forming a criminal organization are seen as attempts at intimidation.
The website states: »It is our best protection to deal with this allegation transparently and proactively!«
The calculation is further elaborated: »The more people turn themselves in, the more difficult it is for the public prosecutor to actually investigate and the more we counteract the public image that we are the criminals!«
On the day the raid became known, some members had publicly asked the security authorities to take action against them as well.
Yesterday, three members and supporters announced they had reported themselves.
Among them is the lawyer Mathis Bönte, who has also represented members of the »last generation«.
He has made his letter to the public prosecutor's office and thus his calculations public - the aim is obviously a discussion about the demands of the group.
Among other things, Bönte argues that the case law assumes that a merger that does not commit serious injustice can also be a criminal organization - but only if it endangers public safety to a considerable extent.
He asks "to bring charges as soon as possible in order to have the significance of the climate crisis for the question of whether the last generation is a criminal organization clarified in court".
jos