Climate activists in court: charges for spectacular road blockade!

Climate activists in court: charges for spectacular road blockade!

Climate activists are in the headlines again - this time as defendants in court. Today, September 17, 2025, three activists from Berlin and Potsdam must answer for a road blockade that occurred on the Long Bridge in Potsdam in February 2023. This protest led to a traffic jam lasting more than two hours and is now the focus of the justice system. Borkener Zeitung reports on the progress of the proceedings, which begin at 9.30 a.m.

The accusation is of communal coercion. The activists have made it their mission to draw attention to the urgent climate crisis through such actions. Similar blockades have been the order of the day in Berlin since 2022, with protesters not only taking to the streets but also taking action in museums. The Neuruppin public prosecutor's office had already brought charges against five members of a climate protection group in May 2024 - the accusation: formation of a criminal organization. Attacks on facilities such as the PCK oil refinery in Schwedt and the capital's BER airport were also discussed.

Legal dimensions of the protests

The legal aspects of these protests are complex. A past example concerns a defendant who took part in a similar blockade in Berlin-Spandau in February 2022. Although he did not stick to the road, he was convicted of coercion. According to Beck this action led to significant traffic delays and the court found the blockade to be unlawful. The defendant had to pay a fine, which was ultimately reduced by the Berlin Regional Court. This shows how the issue of coercion in connection with protests is assessed legally.

In September 2023, another climate activist was sentenced to eight months in prison after a road blockade, further fueling the discussion about the consequences of such actions.

Political reactions to the protests

The issue is hotly debated at the political level. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group is calling for harsher penalties for such protest actions, both on the streets and in museums. However, in a hearing in the Legal Affairs Committee, experts emphasized that the existing legal means were already sufficient. Bundestag reports that some experts consider this requirement to be unnecessary and are instead seeking a reduction in punishment. These differences of opinion reflect the social tensions caused by the climate movement and its actions.

As the debate over appropriate action against climate activists continues, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond to today's hearing. It seems as if the conflict between the right to protest and protecting the public will continue to take center stage in the coming months.