Hundreds of Climate Protesters Clash with Police at Tesla Factory in Germany
Protesters Attempt to Storm Tesla Factory Near Berlin
Hundreds of climate protesters clashed with police in Germany after trying to storm the Tesla factory near Berlin. The demonstration took place in opposition to the proposed expansion of Tesla’s only European plant. The factory, located in Grünheide, Brandenburg, has been a subject of contention among environmentalists, who claim that the expansion would cause significant environmental damage.
Police Restrain Protesters and Make Arrests
During the clash, several people, including three police officers, were injured. The authorities made multiple arrests and successfully prevented the protesters from gaining access to the factory. Demonstrators attempted to barricade a nearby motorway and disrupted the railway service by occupying the tracks. Additionally, a sit-in took place on a country road near the facility.
Environmentalists Decry Tesla’s Expansion Plans
Environmental campaigners have been camping out in Grünheide’s woods since February, expressing concerns that the proposed expansion could have adverse effects on the environment. The group argues that Tesla’s factory would generate significant environmental destruction.
Tesla Factory Shuts Down for the Day
Tesla announced that the factory would remain closed for the day due to the protests, with employees working remotely. Despite the protesters’ attempt to enter the facility, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed on social media that they were unsuccessful in doing so. Musk criticized the police for treating left-wing protesters leniently.
Responsibility Claimed by Activist Group
The Disrupt Tesla group planned mass protests against the factory expansion between 8 and 12 May. Their aim was to draw attention to the alleged environmental destruction in Grünheide. Some activists have been occupying parts of the forest, erecting signs and building tree houses in opposition to the construction plans.
Gigafactory Background
The Tesla factory in Grünheide, also known as the Gigafactory, currently employs approximately 12,000 people and manufactures around 500,000 cars annually. In March, production was momentarily halted due to a power outage caused by a suspected arson attack, claimed by the far-left activist group Volcano Group.
