Berlin, Sep 18 (EFE).- Climate activists during a protest on Monday blocked several key streets during rush hour in Berlin, Germany, calling for concrete actions to phase out use of fossil fuels by 2030.
This action by the members of the “Letzte Generation” (Last Generation) climate movement caused traffic congestion in several parts of the capital city, prompting authorities to deploy officers to clear the roads.
Supporters of the Last Generation “have been blocking various major roads across Berlin since 7:15 am this morning to once again emphasize this symbolic form of protest using civil resistance means,” the movement said in a statement.
According to the climate movement, their sit-ins had affected the routes A100, A103, and A114, as well as several roads leading to the German capital, disrupting traffic in at least 23 locations.
“Get away from oil, gas and coal by 2030. We need a fundamental change. That is why there are currently around 30 sit-ins in Berlin. We are determined to continue this peaceful resistance for as long as necessary,” the group said.
Berlin police announced that approximately five hundred personnel were deployed to “promptly and consistently” remove the activists, many of whom had glued themselves to the roads.
Police said they have responded to at least 21 disruptive actions by protesters on Berlin roads, and successfully cleared most of the roads.
Police urged citizens not to intervene, after a driver used irritant gas on the activists and attempted to kick them off the road.
“Our colleagues are investigating the incident as a case of grievous bodily harm,” the police reported.
“We understand that you may be frustrated with the protests, but please do not intervene or even use force. Our colleagues will arrive as soon as possible,” police insisted.
The protesters were donning orange vests and carrying banners with the slogan “Away from fossil fuels, towards justice.”
The nonprofit has long demanded the German government to take concrete measures to address the climate crisis.
They have criticized the government for increasing investments in the fossil fuel sector and are demanding a complete phase-out of fossil fuels by 2030.
“(German Chancellor) Olaf Scholz is being dishonest. He fails to acknowledge the danger posed to all of us,” said Marion Fabian, the spokesperson for the climate movement.
“We are firmly determined and prepared to continue our peaceful resistance until a socially just transition away from fossil fuels is achieved,” she added. EFE
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