Storage - Climate Protests: Bundespolice reinforce protection at BER
After the disruptions by Climate Activists of the Last Generation at German Airports, the Federal Police are increasing security measures at Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) Airport. This was confirmed by the Press Office of the Federal Police Directorate Berlin. A Climate Activist announced further actions. "I will also participate in protests in the coming weeks. Again at Airports", said Lilli Gomez to the German Press Agency at the sidelines of a trial.
The 24-year-old was there, according to her own statements, when members of the Last Generation blocked the flight traffic at Cologne/Bonn Airport for about three hours in the morning last Wednesday. The protest against the use of climate-damaging fuels such as kerosene was "important and peaceful", said Gomez. In Berlin, she is standing trial with three other group members for a paint attack on the World Time Clock on October 17, 2023. The student is reportedly repeatedly convicted and expects further proceedings.
Further disruption in Frankfurt
On Thursday, other Activists of the Last Generation stormed the airport grounds in Frankfurt am Main and disrupted the flight traffic there for hours. This also had consequences in Berlin: Four Lufthansa flights to and from Frankfurt were cancelled, according to the airport spokeswoman. There were also protests at other European Airports this week.
The Last Generation had organized a similar blockade in Berlin at the end of 2022. A spokeswoman for the Berlin Airport: "Security measures around the airport grounds have been significantly increased by all parties involved." Details could not be named from tactical reasons, said the spokesperson of the Federal Police. This means that the authorities do not want potential perpetrators to be able to adjust to these measures.
"Cannot exclude disturbances"
After the first disruption at the main airport, calls for stricter security measures and harsher penalties grew louder. The BER spokeswoman stressed that the measures in Berlin to protect the airport security area against intruders go "far beyond legal requirements". She referred to a nearly 30 kilometer long security fence. In addition, there are dense patrols of the Federal and State Police and the Airport Security, as well as sensor and video technology.
All security measures at BER are regularly checked and further developed. "Ultimately, no airport can exclude such disturbances", explained the BER spokeswoman, looking at the protest actions. For the protection of passengers, aircraft, and flight operations, the best possible measures are taken. In Frankfurt, according to statements from a local airport spokesperson, there is a security fence over 30 kilometers long, which is technically secured and monitored.
Climate Group demands exit from fossil fuels
The Last Generation demands an exit from fossil fuels by 2030. This includes not only kerosene but also gasoline, diesel, coal, and natural gas. The emission of carbon dioxide during their combustion is held responsible for the greenhouse effect and the warming of the Earth.
- The Federal Police in Berlin is enhancing security procedures at Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) Airport due to the court process involving a Climate Activist from the Last Generation.
- Lilli Gomez, a convicted Climate Activist, announced her participation in upcoming protests at various Airports, including Berlin.
- Gomez was present during the Light Generation's disruption of flight traffic at Cologne/Bonn Airport last Wednesday, advocating for less use of climate-harming fuels like kerosene.
- The Last Generation caused further disturbances at Frankfurt am Main Airport, resulting in the cancellation of several Lufthansa flights in Berlin.
- Berlin Airport has increased security measures around its grounds following the Light Generation's disruptive incident at the end of 2022.
- The Last Generation's goal is to exit fossil fuels, including kerosene, gasoline, diesel, coal, and natural gas, by 2030, to combat climate change.
- The Magnificent Eleven, a group of Climate Activists, caused interruptions at multiple European Airports this week, calling for more stringent security measures and harsher penalties.
- Frankfurt Airport, like BER, uses a long security fence to protect the perimeter, monitored and technically secured.
- Despite the extensive security measures in place at both BER and Frankfurt Airports, authorities acknowledge that they cannot entirely exclude future disruptions caused by Climate Activists.
