Process against climate activists: Court judges road blockade!

Process against climate activists: Court judges road blockade!

On Wednesday, July 3, 2025, a remarkable process at the Chemnitz District Court came into focus. Three “last generation” activists had to answer for a street blockade who caused a sensation in July 2023 due to their behavior with super glue on Zwickauer Straße. During this turbulent period, together with two other participants, they blocked the traffic in the city, which was permanent in the city and thus ensured massive traffic disruptions. Not only the traffic fell to the stall, the drivers also reacted aggressively, as three police officers present reported in the trial. After about 45 minutes, the patrol police officers managed to defuse the situation and completely release the intersection.

The public prosecutor accuses the accused, Matthias S., Alina R. and Juliane S. Despite the previous criminal order, which provided for a payment of up to 40 daily rates of 30 euros each, the accused now appeal. The judge finally imposed milder punishments that are between 160 and 800 euros. However, it remains to be seen whether the judgment will become final, because the accused are convinced that their actions are a necessary political protest.

justification of civil disobedience

The debate about the legitimacy of such forms of protest is emotional and polarized. According to the Federal Center for Political Education, the acceptance of civil disobedience is often dependent on the respective social constellation. In a democracy, it is crucial whether the law fractures are seen as necessary for the common good. However, there are different views: While some consider the breach of law problematic, others emphasize the importance of pointing out social grievances. The “last generation” often sees itself as part of this movement, although critics show that many of their protests can be interpreted as self -staging.

The forms of action of the “last generation” not only contain conscious fractions of the law, but also go hand in hand with the acceptance of legal consequences, which distinguishes them from violent protests. While there is often a lack of discussion about the problem of legitimation in public, it remains to be seen how the legal arguments about such protests will develop in the future.

In the perception of public space, the dialogue about forms of protest and the challenges associated with it remains of crucial importance. Civil disobedience is increasingly cited as a necessary means to draw attention to the pressing questions of climate change and social injustices. This negotiation also shows that the discourse on it remains alive and necessary.

The outcome of the procedure is still uncertain for the three defendants, but their conviction that their protest actions are not only illegal, but also morally justified, will still play a central role in political discourse.