The climate stickers of the "Last Generation" have once again come under the spotlight of the judiciary. Six members of the group have to answer to the court in connection with several actions, including a spectacular incident at the airfield in Tinnum on Sylt. The charges include property damage, trespassing and disruption of public services. The trial against the activists will begin in November 2024 and could have far-reaching consequences for the movement and its methods.
The climate initiative "Last Generation" has made a name for itself through its radical protest actions. The group uses spectacular and often controversial measures to draw attention to climate change and create political pressure. The most well-known actions include sticking things to public places, spraying artwork and blocking traffic routes. Recently, an action on Sylt in particular has become the focus of public attention.
On June 6, 2023, several members of the "Last Generation" forcibly gained access to the airfield in Tinnum on the North Sea island of Sylt. There they sprayed a private plane with paint, rendering the aircraft unusable. The incident was classified by the Flensburg public prosecutor's office as a serious case of property damage and disruption of public operations. The amount of damage caused is estimated at at least one million euros, just for the damaged aircraft. The impact on the airport's operations is additional.
Legal consequences and further incidents
The trial against the six activists was opened last week, as Philip Fendt, spokesman for the Flensburg Regional Court, confirmed. The main hearing is scheduled to take place from November 12 to 15, 2024 at the China Logistics Center (CLC) in Itzehoe. The defendants are accused of forcibly gaining access to the airfield, damaging the private aircraft and thus disrupting operations at the airport. In addition to property damage and trespassing, the public prosecutor's office also accuses the defendants of disrupting public operations.
The negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the Last Generation, which faces not only prosecution but also potentially increased public and political pressure that could affect its future activities.
The situation escalated again when the activists targeted Sylt Airport again a few weeks ago. This time they tried to stick themselves next to a private jet and spray paint the plane. The attempt was thwarted by the airport staff's quick intervention. The demonstrators were removed from the ground and taken away by the police. A third activist was stopped by police at the airport fence and also arrested. The activists had cut a hole in the airport fence to get onto the grounds.
Impact on the movement and public perception
The legal disputes and media attention raise questions about the effectiveness and future of the "Last Generation". While the group continues to use radical measures to draw attention to climate change, it is increasingly coming under fire. The use of such tactics not only has legal consequences, but also impacts on the public perception of the movement. The discussion about the legitimacy and effectiveness of such forms of protest is becoming increasingly intense.
For the “Last Generation,” it is crucial how the trial will unfold and what consequences the convictions or acquittals will have for the movement. The question of whether the group’s radical methods will actually generate the desired political pressure or whether they will rather lead to isolation and rejection remains open.
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