First of all: The stake was not set! On Monday afternoon, a police operation in Regensburg caused heated discussions. The 25-year-old climate activist Simon Lachner from the group 'Last Generation' was arrested by the police as a preventative measure before he could take part in a planned road blockade. This incident was filmed by one person.

The incident:

Lachner was taken from his house. This quickly led to considerable controversy. Many felt it was excessive and disproportionate to treat a peaceful activist planning a road blockade like a serious criminal. Despite strong criticism, the police defended their actions and insisted on the legality of the preventive detention.

Last generation publishes police action footage

Shortly afterwards, two police officers grab the climate activist sitting on the ground, drag him over the threshold of the front door, down three steps, across the cobblestones of the driveway and carry him to their company vehicle. “I am being taken out of my own house as if I were a serious criminal who belongs in prison,” Lachner complains. “The police are doing everything they can to prevent protests against our federal government.” He couldn’t take part in the demonstration this Monday.

The role of the police:

Police spokesman Markus Reitmeier emphasized that Lachner had publicly announced that he was committing a crime, namely blocking traffic through a protest. This constitutes the criminal offense of coercion, and it is the police's primary task to prevent such crimes. The Regensburg district court confirmed the police's assessment and declared the measure against Lachner to be legal.

Criticism and discussions about the climate activist

However, Lachner's preventive detention has sparked a broad debate about the limits of the right to protest and the role of the police in a democratic state. Critics such as the lawyer and co-founder of the Society for Freedom Rights, Ulf Buermeyer, argue that participation in a meeting is a fundamental right and that even a blockade can be legal under certain circumstances.

Consequences of the arrest:

Despite Lachner's imprisonment, other members of the “Last Generation” carried out the planned action and temporarily paralyzed traffic in the city. There was also a spontaneous demonstration in front of the police station where Lachner was detained.

Lachner is released on the same day. He commented on this in a Twitter post. After his release, Lachner called for people to step up their protests and not allow themselves to be intimidated.

It remains to be seen what long-term effects this debate will have on the climate protection movement and the relationship between citizens and the police in Germany.

Sources: Regensburg South Police Department, Regensburg District Court, Last Generation, Bavarian Police Tasks Act

Also read: Heat lockdown? Is Lauterbach planning a heat lockdown in the summer?


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