So far 550 judgments against climate activists - no acquittals

The number of court verdicts against climate activists in Berlin in connection with traffic blockades and other actions has risen to 550. Since January last year there have been 39 convictions and 511 penal orders (as of February 10), said Justice Senator Lena Kreck (left) on Tuesday in Berlin after the Senate session. So far there have been no acquittals.

The coercion convictions resulted in "moderate fines," usually around 50 daily rates, Kreck said. The amount of the daily rate is based on the income of the convict. Mitigating reasons were recognized if the accused had confessed and had no criminal record. For months, climate activists from the “Last Generation” initiative have been calling for more effective political measures to combat climate change, primarily by blocking roads.

In two cases, the Tiergarten district court refused to issue a penalty order, it said. In contrast, the public prosecutor's office has so far successfully filed a complaint in one case. In addition, there has so far been an appeal judgment from the Berlin Regional Court, which confirmed the judgment of the first instance.

The public prosecutor's office has recorded a total of 1,373 investigations so far. There are currently 140 open procedures. Kreck emphasized that the police, investigative authorities and court were "clearly burdened" by the proceedings against climate activists.

According to the Senate administration, there have been 2,797 reports and 781 suspects so far. The so-called "employee hours" amounted to more than 270,000.