Climate activists from the group Last Generation staged protests at four airports in Germany, disrupting air traffic and forcing the authorities to intervene. The activists glued themselves to the tarmac at airports in Cologne Bonn, Nuremberg, Berlin, and Stuttgart, demanding a global exit from the use of oil, gas, and coal by 2030.
While flights were briefly halted at Nuremberg and Cologne Bonn due to police operations, the protests at Berlin and Stuttgart did not impact air operations. All eight activists involved in the protests were arrested by the police.
Interior minister Nancy Faeser condemned the actions of the activists, calling them dangerous and stupid. She warned of tougher penalties for individuals who intrude on airside areas of airports, citing a bill approved by the German cabinet that could lead to up to a two-year prison sentence for offenders.
Last Generation is known for its eye-catching protests, including gluing themselves to busy roads and throwing mashed potatoes at paintings in museums. This recent protest follows a similar incident in July when activists stopped traffic at Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt, by gluing themselves to the tarmac.
The group’s actions have sparked debate about the balance between activism and public safety, with authorities emphasizing the need for peaceful and legal forms of protest. As the debate continues, the activists remain steadfast in their call for action to address climate change.
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