Clashes at Tesla's Berlin gigafactory: protesters vs police over expansion
The demonstration outside the Tesla factory near Berlin was far from peaceful. Protesters attempted to enter the building, prompting the police to prevent them forcibly.
4:24 PM EDT, May 11, 2024
The Tesla Gigafactory in Grünheide, located near Berlin, has been a source of significant controversy. Plans to expand the facility have met with strong opposition from residents, who are already concerned about the pollution the factory generates.
In the face of resistance and blockades from the authorities against the expansion, Tesla remains determined to continue its plans. This stance has led to protests, with activists joining the fray. The tension peaked in March 2024, when sabotage led to the factory shutting down for eight days.
A significant demonstration was organized for May 10 at the factory's gates, leading to the preemptive dismissal of employees from the suburban Berlin site. This move later proved prudent as the protest, attracting around 800 participants, escalated quickly.
By evening, the protesters attempted to breach the factory premises, but they were met with police resistance. A report from Reuters indicated that clashes broke out, resulting in injuries among several protesters, a fact confirmed by the police.
The demonstration primarily focused on the issue of factory expansion, but the environmental impact of lithium mining, essential for battery production, was also a key point of contention. Activists emphasized the severe ecological damage caused by the mines established for this purpose.
