Processes - Calling procedure for abseil action from autobahn bridge
Four climate activists have had to answer for their actions since Thursday in a appeals hearing for an abseil action from an Autobahn bridge over the A7 in November 2020. The three women and one man were sentenced by the Amtsgericht Schleswig on January 5, 2023, to a fine of 60 days' wages each, amounting to 20 Euros, for coercion. They filed an appeal against the judgment, which is now being heard. The trial came about because the accused refused to accept suspended sentences issued by the court.
For the current hearing, a total of five session days have been scheduled until mid-September. The first day of the trial was delayed by nearly half an hour. Since about a dozen spectators did not rise when the judges entered the room, they had to leave. Most of them refused to go voluntarily and had to be forcibly removed by court officials.
Order of detention for a defendant
The defendants subsequently filed several applications, including for entrance controls, access to files, seized items, and gender-neutral language in the courtroom. Against one of the defendants, a one-week detention order was issued because she did not stand up when entering the chamber, mumbled and continued speaking even though her microphone had been turned off, according to the presiding judge. She was removed from the courtroom a short time later because she continued to disturb.
Autobahn closed for action for several hours
The activists reportedly participated in an action at the Amtsgericht on the morning of November 27, 2020, around 8:15 am, during which three of the accused persons abseiled from the Husbybridge over the A7 near Schleswig. The A7 was heavily trafficked. There was no speed limit at that location.
They wanted to draw attention to what they considered necessary traffic turnaround. Numerous drivers braked and helped. The autobahn had to be closed in both directions for approximately three hours due to the action, "which the accused had wished for from the beginning." The closure was "essential for the safety of all."
- The district court in Flensburg, located in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, is the venue for the ongoing appeals hearing.
- The climate activists, during their job interview with the court, expressed their disagreement with the initial suspended sentences issued for their Autobahn bridge action.
- The criminality associated with their actions led to the order of detention for one of the defendants, a woman, during the court proceedings.
- Despite traffic disruptions caused by their action on the A7 autobahnbridge in Schleswig, numerous local women reportedly assisted and supported the activists.
- The Appell procedure for the climate activists, including the consideration of gender-neutral language in the courtroom, is expected to continue until mid-September in the District Court of Flensburg.
- The closure of the heavily trafficked Autobahn near Schleswig for several hours due to the activists' actions highlighted the importance of addressing their concerns related to traffic and climate.
