Extinction Rebellion Action - Protest at the Landtag - Climate activists must appear in court
More than three years after a protest action by "Extinction Rebellion", five of the involved climate activists must appear in court. They are accused of sitting on a caravan while their colleagues occupied the roof of the Landtag. According to a statement from the Duesseldorf District Court, the defendants (ages 37 to 66) are charged with aiding and abetting trespassing.
According to the indictment, a total of 21 "Extinction Rebellion" activists, including the caravan, appeared at the Landtag on May 20, 2021. Four people, against whom investigations are still ongoing, climbed onto the roof and stayed there for hours. The currently accused individuals (ages 37 to 66) participated by sitting on the caravan and staying around it. According to the court, they "confirmed and supported the roof sitters in their decision and gave them increased feelings of security".
The activists from the caravan rejected the fines of 450 Euro each, which led to the current trial, scheduled for July 22. The protest action had long-term consequences: Pollards were installed at the Landtag square and around the building to keep vehicles away.
- The protest action in Düsseldorf's Landtag, led by Extinction Rebellion, sparked a series of changes in North Rhine-Westphalia's state parliament.
- Interested spectators from various districts gathered to witness the climate-related demonstration, adding to the city's lively atmosphere.
- Despite the ongoing investigation into four individuals who participated in the roof occupation, the district court process in Düsseldorf focused on five climate activists from the caravan.
- The state government, due to the high level of criminality associated with such actions, has been strengthening security measures and surveillance around crucial buildings, including the state parliament.
- The Extinction Rebellion movement continues to organize and participate in peaceful protests across Europe, advocating for urgent climate action and environmental justice.
