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Climate Protesters Storm Tesla Gigafactory in Germany
On a recent Friday, reports emerged on social media detailing how a group of climate protesters breached a police line and attempted to infiltrate Europe’s sole Gigafactory operated by Tesla in Grünheide, Germany. According to these reports, the demonstrators were thwarted at a perimeter fence and could not gain access to the facility. Nevertheless, local news outlet DW disclosed that several individuals were taken into custody, although the exact number remains undisclosed.
Strife against the Tesla factory, located near Berlin, initially arose in 2020 due to the deforestation necessitated by its construction. Tensions reignited earlier this year when Tesla sought permission to clear an additional 170 acres for expansion purposes. Ole Becker, a representative for Disrupt Tesla, elucidated the protesters’ objectives during the recent demonstration, focusing on the environmental harm inflicted by the factory in the Grünheide area and beyond.
Protest Strategy and Response
Organizers estimated the protest attendance at 800 individuals, with multiple protest sites active concurrently. While Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk dismissed the incident as “fake news” and asserted that the protesters failed to breach the perimeter, conflicting narratives persisted. Musk highlighted the prevalence of various protests in Germany during what he termed “National Protest Week,” without specifying the nature of the alleged disinformation.
Notably, a radical faction known as the Volcano Group previously claimed responsibility for disrupting power supply to the Tesla plant in March. However, the tangible impact of the recent protests remains uncertain. Video footage circulating online depicted numerous demonstrators clad in black attire converging on the factory premises. Signs advocating against Tesla’s operations and neocolonialism were prominently displayed, underscoring the activists’ discontent.
Colorful Banner and Translations
One particularly striking banner brandished by the protesters featured a vivid message directed at Elon Musk, prompting speculation regarding its translation. The phrase “Elon du Lachs verpiss dich zum Mars!” elicited varied interpretations, including a possible derogatory remark. The use of multilingual resources for translation further fueled debate and discussion in online forums.
For a comprehensive visual overview of the protest scenes, refer to the accompanying slideshow showcasing imagery captured during the demonstrations in Germany.
Image/Photo credit: source url
