Activist on trial after mashed potato attack in state parliament
A climate activist has to stand trial in Düsseldorf today (09:30) for a mashed potato attack in the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. The 58-year-old is said to have smeared and damaged the "Press Photo of the Year" with mashed potatoes in the parliament building on January 19. The reprint cost 61.76 euros. He has now been charged with damage to property.
The photo is entitled "The prayer man with the digger". The curious thing is that the accused, who is said to have damaged the picture, is depicted on it himself. It shows him kneeling in front of a huge lignite excavator near Lützerath. Clashes between climate demonstrators and the police took place there during a large demonstration in January.
The activist's actions have sparked controversy, with many questioning the appropriateness of defacing the "The prayer man with the digger" photograph, which was chosen as the "Press Photo of the Year" and features him prominently. His case is set to be an exhibit in upcoming photography-focused exhibitions, shedding light on the intersection of art, activism, and freedom of expression.
Source: www.dpa.com
