Last generation: charges against climate activists – a protest in our sights!

Last generation: charges against climate activists – a protest in our sights!

In May 2023, the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office conducted a large-scale raid against the controversial “Last Generation” group. This action was coordinated by the Bavarian Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism (ZET) and the State Criminal Police Office. A total of 170 police officers searched 15 properties in seven federal states, which led to considerable criticism and arguments in court.

As a result of the raid, five members of the Last Generation were charged on suspicion of forming a criminal organization. The Munich I Regional Court initially did not provide any details about the specific allegations, and the accusation itself was confirmed by the group. The presumption of innocence applies until the trial.

Repressive measures and criticism of the approach

The actions of the public prosecutor's office, including the wiretapping of one of the group's press contacts, were viewed as problematic by journalists' associations. However, Munich courts judged these actions to be largely legal. Last Generation's website was temporarily shut down during the investigation, citing the fact that the group had been classified as a criminal organization.

Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck commented on the situation and described the search operation as “completely absurd”. Amnesty International also strongly criticized the investigation and spoke of an “attack on the right to peaceful protest.” In a comprehensive report on the situation in Europe, the organization finds that many governments are systematically restricting the right to peaceful assembly. Protesters are often criminalized and stigmatized, which threatens the very nature of the right to demonstrate.

Accusations and possible penalties

The main allegations against the members of the Last Generation focus on agitation as part of previously largely discontinued road blockades. Carla Hinrichs, a former spokeswoman for the group and one of the accused, has emphasized that the crimes are of minor importance and that the group is primarily aimed at raising awareness about the climate crisis. If convicted, the ringleaders face sentences of up to five years in prison, and in particularly serious cases even up to ten years.

Hinrichs supported her position by saying that peacefully protesting people should be condemned for bringing bad news, which illustrates the urgency of the climate crisis.

The complexity of the situation is compounded by the fact that similar charges have already been brought against members of the group in Brandenburg due to attacks on various facilities between April 2022 and May 2023. It remains to be seen whether trials will take place.

Overall, this event shows the increasing tensions between the right to protest and state repression in Germany, which raises a variety of questions about the preservation of democratic freedoms. The situation is also worrying from Amnesty International's perspective, as the organization has observed an increase in repressive measures to suppress dissent.

The debate about the last generation not only raises questions about the definition of crime in the context of environmental protection, but also sheds light on the role of state institutions in dealing with citizen protests. Annie Duchrow, Secretary General of Amnesty International in Germany, appeals to recognize the importance of peaceful protest for rights and freedoms and to monitor current developments critically.

For more information, read the detailed reports Cosmo, tz and Amnesty International.