Investigations following protests - Nearly 4,900 cases against climate activists <unk> many closed
More than two years after the first actions of the climate group "Last Generation", the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office has processed most of the cases. Out of 4,844 cases, 215 are still pending (as of July 29), a spokesperson confirmed upon request. Nevertheless, many cases that have been closed by the Public Prosecutor's Office are still pending in the courts. So far, only 243 convictions have become final.
Berlin is particularly affected by proceedings against climate protesters. In the capital, there have been many street blockades, as well as repeated paint attacks on government buildings or landmarks.
Many charges were brought in accelerated proceedings
Since members of the climate group are often involved in various actions, cases are often linked together. This was the case in 935 cases, the spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor's Office said. Nearly 300 cases were dismissed, for example because there was insufficient evidence. In addition, Berlin has transferred cases to other authorities, which is particularly common in the case of juveniles and young adults.
The Public Prosecutor's Office has filed charges in 703 cases, with 488 of these being in the context of an accelerated procedure. The prosecution authority began to increasingly request accelerated procedures against climate protesters in the summer of 2023, in order to complete them more quickly. However, in 96 cases, the required clear evidence was lacking, and the case was transferred to the regular procedure.
Most convictions result in fines
In 1,463 cases, the Public Prosecutor's Office has requested a conviction by means of a penalty order - i.e., without an oral hearing. Since the accused usually file an objection, a trial usually follows. So far, there have been 427 convictions, mostly fines (412), the spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor's Office said. Of the 243 final decisions, 38 were made in accelerated proceedings.
The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office states that 935 cases involving the climate group "Last Generation" are interlinked due to members' involvement in multiple actions. The Commission has been actively engaging in these cases, with 488 of them processed through accelerated procedures.
Despite the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office filing charges in 703 cases, only 427 convictions have resulted in fines, with 412 being penalties, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the commission.
