Germany - January 2023

The agreement between the German Government and the RWE energy company to expand the open-cast mine in Lützerath sparked protests of around 35,000 people, including the Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who was arrested on 17 January. The activists allege that the village demolition will result in an increase in harmful gas emissions.  Following the court order for eviction, police began clearing protesters, evicting the last one on 17 January. The police intervention led to clashes, and the activists denounced the excessive use of violence by the police. The police and federal Interior Minister Nancy Faesar have instead accused the activists of using violence.

Sources: Associated Press, Deutsche Welle (1), Deutsche Welle (2), Politico, Al Jazeera