German police have dismantled a longstanding protest camp near near Giga Berlin. The camp, which had been occupied by activists since February, was set up against Tesla’s plans to expand its factory because of perceived threats to local ecosystems and water resources.
The conflict began earlier this week when authorities launched an investigation for unexploded World War II ordnance in the forest, an area set to be included in Tesla’s planned expansion. Protesters were asked to vacate the site temporarily to facilitate the search, but many refused, citing the investigation as a pretext to undermine their assembly rights.
Police moved to clear the camp on Monday, initially focusing on a restricted area around the ordnance search zone. Height rescuers removed several activists from treehouses, but others continued their stand. By Tuesday morning, the operation escalated to a full dispersal of the protest camp, with police citing violations of public safety and assembly regulations, according to a report from rbb24.
Activists, led by the Disrupt Tesla group, have voiced strong opposition to Tesla’s plans, which include doubling vehicle production to one million units annually and expanding battery cell production capacity. Mila, a spokesperson for the group, criticized the clearance as a “provocation and escalation,” describing it as dangerous due to the poor weather and the precarious positions of protesters in the trees.
While some activists left voluntarily, others had to be forcibly removed. Police arrested four individuals for various offenses, including violations of a masking ban. As the operation continued into Tuesday night, efforts to clear the remaining protesters in treehouses were set to resume the following morning.
The clearance has garnered support from local politicians in Brandenburg, who argue that enforcing law and order is essential. Daniel Keller, leader of the SPD parliamentary group, stated, “This is not a lawless zone; the police must act to maintain public order.” However, activists and some local residents view the police action as excessive and a threat to democratic assembly rights.
