Approximately 800 activists gathered outside Tesla’s factory near Berlin to protest its expansion plans, organized by a coalition of anti-capitalist groups called Disrupt. Some activists clashed with police as they attempted to break into the plant. The protest caused temporary stoppage of rail traffic in the area, but police were able to prevent the group from entering the Tesla premises. There were reports of police violence and injuries during the protest, according to a Disrupt spokesperson.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that protesters did not manage to break through the fence line and that the factory was still secure with intact fence lines all around. The protest was in response to Musk’s plans to more than double the production capacity of Tesla’s only factory in Europe, which activists argue would damage the local environment by clearing forests and straining the water supply. The group planned four days of protests, beginning on Wednesday and continuing through the week.
In anticipation of the protest, Tesla shut the factory to all employees and halted production lines for the day. This decision was made in consideration of the expected crowds gathering outside in protest of the expansion plans. The factory had previously been closed for a week in early March after a high-voltage electricity pylon delivering power to the factory was set on fire by a group of far-left activists claiming responsibility for the arson attack.
Police in Brandenburg were prepared for the protest with “extensive” operations, supported by federal and state police forces. They acknowledged the potential for disruptive protests and criminal acts and were ready for both peaceful and non-peaceful outcomes. The police emphasized that if crimes were committed, they would intervene resolutely to maintain order and safety. Despite the disruptions and tensions during the protest, neither Tesla nor local authorities have commented on the events or responded to media requests for more information.
