Freiburg climate camp does not go to administrative court
In the legal dispute over the climate camp in Freiburg city center, those responsible have bowed to a decision by the administrative court: they are clearing the town hall square for the Christmas market. "We are not going to the next round", said plaintiff Tobias Kurzeder on Friday. It would have been possible to appeal to the Administrative Court of Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim. However, Kurzeder explained that the chances of success were too slim. "We want to come back stronger in the spring and carry on."
The activists, who had four tents on the Rathausplatz day and night, may want to take legal action against the city administration for what they consider to be incorrectly published information and possibly fight for an alternative location. This is still being examined.
In mid-August, the city decided that the tents had to be removed by November 8 at the latest so that the Christmas market stands could be erected. On Thursday, the Administrative Court rejected an urgent appeal against the order, ruling that it was lawful. The city had rightly assumed that the Christmas market had priority over the climate camp, also in light of the freedom of assembly. The market is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. (Ref. 4 K 3372/23)
The student city of Freiburg, with more than 230,000 inhabitants, describes itself as a "Green City". According to a further ruling by the city, two of the four tents must be permanently removed and may not be set up again after the Christmas market. The camp was set up last summer. The activists have announced a demonstration for November 7.
Despite the legal setback, the climate activists might consider filing a lawsuit against the city administration for perceived miscommunications and potentially seek an alternative location for their camp. The city's municipalities, known for their commitment to the environment, are preparing for the climate camp's announced demonstration on November 7.
Source: www.dpa.com
