Of . – 11.3.2022 16:14 (performance 11.3.2022 16:14)
In a traffic blockade by “state-of-the-art” climate activists in Berlin, the rescue of a critically injured woman was significantly delayed. ©APA/dpa/Carsten Koall (subject)
As climate activists organized a traffic blockade in Berlin, the rescue of a critically injured cyclist was massively delayed.
According to the fire brigade, a traffic blockade by climate activists in Berlin has massively delayed the rescue of a critically injured cyclist. The woman was run over by a concrete mixer on Monday morning in Berlin-Wilmersdorf. Firefighters with special equipment were stuck in traffic due to protests by weather protesters and arrived late at the crash site.
Blockade by climate activists delayed rescue operation in Berlin
Climate protest group “Last Generation” said it was dismayed and cannot rule out that the fire brigade’s delay was due to a traffic jam they caused. The woman was trapped under the concrete mixer truck. The truck driver was assaulted with a knife after the accident and was injured and taken to hospital. According to a police spokeswoman, he was assaulted by a stranger when he went downstairs to look for the woman.
Cyclist seriously injured in concrete mixer accident
After the serious accident with the concrete mixer, the police are investigating two of the blockers. Investigations were opened against a 63-year-old man and a 59-year-old man for not providing assistance or for the disability of people who provide assistance. These were attached to a bridge.
Police investigations into climate activists are ongoing
Police are also looking for a man who attacked the construction vehicle driver with a knife on Monday and seriously injured him. The attacker is not yet known, a police spokesman said Tuesday morning. The attack on the driver came after a cyclist was trapped under the cement mixer on the Bundesallee in Berlin-Wilmersdorf.
Woman hit by concrete mixer truck in Bundesallee
The woman was run over by the concrete mixer truck in Bundesallee and was trapped under the car. The knife attack on the driver took place while rescuers were tending to the woman. A man not involved in the accident allegedly approached the truck driver as he was next to the driver’s cab and suddenly attacked him with a knife.
Fire departments with special equipment were stuck in traffic due to protests by weather protesters on the A100 highway and only arrived late at the crash site, which is why the crash site had to be improvised, as the fire department emphasized. A spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that without the blockers there would be no traffic jams.
Spokesperson for climate activists wish the cyclist a speedy recovery
The spokeswoman for the climate protest group “Last Generation”, Carla Hinrichs, said on Monday that the group sincerely hopes the woman’s health has not deteriorated due to the delay in the special fire engine. Member Lars Werner said on Tuesday when asked: “As before, we will continue to take the greatest possible care to ensure that we do not block any rescue operations and emergency doctors.”
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey expressed clear criticism
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey expressed clear criticism on Tuesday. “We agree in the Senate that we are taking a very clear position here that says: the form of this protest, which jeopardizes public security and order, is inappropriate,” the SPD politician said after a Senate session. “And we condemn that behavior.”
The topic was discussed in detail in the Senate. The Senate agreed with the common position that the police and judiciary should clarify the extent to which road blocks are to blame for emergency vehicles failing to pass or being delayed, Giffey added.
Around 730 procedures for actions by climate protesters in Berlin
The Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office has already received around 730 cases (as of October 25) about the ongoing actions of climate protesters. The administration of justice announced this upon request. In many cases, the cases were connected because one person was involved in several actions. As per the information, 139 cases are currently open. So far, there have been some convictions of protesters to small fines for coercion.
Olaf Scholz on the Delayed Rescue Debate
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has also been embroiled in the debate over the delay in rescue following the crash in Berlin on Monday. He appealed to climate activists not to let their actions put others in danger. “I think we have to accept a critical attitude, a critical protest. It is also obvious that the actions did not receive very wide applause,” Scholz said.
“Last generation” recently caused delays with locks
The climate protection protest group “Last Generation” recently caused significant blockages on the streets of Berlin with roadblocks almost every day. As of Tuesday morning, police were initially unaware of any action. Just over a week ago, activists at the Barberini Museum in Potsdam threw mashed potatoes on a painting worth more than €100 million. The artwork was not damaged because it was protected by a layer of glass.
Bushman: Possible prison sentences for activists
According to Germany’s Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (FDP), prison sentences for climate activists would also be possible in certain cases. “Anyone who throws artwork can be prosecuted for damage to property. A roadblock can be punished as coercion. And if ambulances are slowed down, criminal liability for negligent bodily harm can also be considered,” he told Bild”. newspaper. In Austria, it would be similar if the occasion arose.
Hardly any criminal charges at climate protests in Vienna
So far, however, there have been almost no criminal charges in Vienna during the sticker protests, according to police when questioned by the APA. Because in the federal capital the blockades – as in Berlin – did not bring serious problems to the emergency services. And no damage to the artwork has been done yet. So far, it’s been mostly about administrative violations. It wasn’t until September 15 that activists wanted to cling to an exhibition at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. However, this was stopped at the last moment. Three people are under investigation on suspicion of attempted property damage or attempted serious property damage. All three were reported in general. The case is already being processed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In Germany, the Federal Minister of Justice has now emphasized: “In addition to fines, the laws also provide for imprisonment in certain cases.” These laws must also be complied with.
Green politician sees a “dead end” in this form of protest
German Green politician Renate Künast said this form of protest would lead to a “dead end”. Künast continues: “If the crux of the problem is no longer discussed, but only the question ‘is this a legitimate protest’ – the same with the subject of photos and museums,” she told RBB Inforradi. “I don’t think it makes sense. It’s a dead end.”