Climate activist Hinrichs faces another court appearance for participating in eleven gluing protests.
Carla Hinrichs, co-founder of the climate protest group Letzte Generation, is once again standing trial in Berlin for eleven street blockades. During the first day of the trial at Tiergarten District Court, Hinrichs, age 27, presented her reasoning for not facing punishment for sticking objects to the street.
Letzte Generation co-founder and spokesperson Carla Hinrichs is on trial again in Berlin for blocking several streets. At the trial's beginning, Hinrichs acknowledged being present on the days mentioned in the charges, stating, "My conduct was reasonable and shouldn't lead to punishment."
Five charges and a penalty order have been filed against her, with these events occurring between August 2021 and May 2023. Hinrichs and her fellow protesters sat on roads, causing significant disruption according to the public prosecutor's office. In multiple instances, she bonded herself to the road with one hand. The trial was previously dismissed in August 2023 due to various evidence-related motions.
Hinrichs asserted that her actions were driven by the worsening climate crisis, making her protest a moral obligation. "Our goal is to inspire change," the 27-year-old stated. Judge Christoph Weyreuther mentioned regarding the incidents to be investigated, "fight, but please stop employing these tactics." During a previous road blockade trial, Weyreuther handed out a 600 euro fine to Hinrichs for coercion in March 2023. Although this decision is not legally binding yet.
Letzte Generation became active following a climate hunger strike in Berlin and advocates for increased climate protection measures. Since early 2022, the group has blocked highways and other streets in various cities, with a focus on Berlin. In late January 2024, the group declared a shift in strategy and the conclusion of sticky protests in urban traffic. The organization intends to run as a candidate in the 2024 European elections with Hinrichs being the third nominee. The criminal trial will resume on May 27.
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Source: www.ntv.de
