Image: (APA/LAST GENERATION AUSTRIA)
They could set up an information stand, said a VDA spokesman on Wednesday, confirming a report in the daily newspaper “Die Welt”. The activists left participation open. A spokesman for the group said: “We can confirm that the Last Generation has received an invitation to an exhibition space at the IAA.” The spokesman did not comment on whether she would accept the offer.
The organizers of the IAA, which will be opened on September 5 by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), are also seeking dialogue with climate activists and critics of the event. For example, 21-year-old Sophia Kianni is scheduled to speak at the IAA on September 6 about the Climate Cardinals climate protection initiative she founded.
Call for a large demonstration
Opponents of the IAA and motorized private transport have organized a large-scale “#BlockIAA!” demonstration for September 10th. called. It will start from Luitpoldpark, where around 1,500 activists are expected in a protest camp from September 5th. “In the city center, directly at the exhibition sites, we will oppose our activism for a climate-friendly mobility turnaround at the IAA,” said a spokeswoman for the organization team.
increase penalties?
Activists of the last generation have made headlines practically across Europe for the past year by blocking roads, motorways and airports, pasting paintings in museums, disrupting theater performances and paint attacks. If this happens again in Austria in the future, for example if climate activists block emergency vehicles and endanger human lives as a result, those responsible should be behind bars for up to three months, as recently proposed by the ÖVP. A few days ago, this was sent to the coalition partner of the Greens, who was not very pleased and spoke of “punishment fantasies”.
The proposal for an increase in penalties contains two points: Firstly, the leader of the meeting must ensure that the passage of emergency vehicles is not obstructed. There is an administrative fine of 720 euros. And three months of freedom of speech must be expected “anyone who obstructs the passage of emergency vehicles and thereby endangers the life and health of other people”.
Source: Nachrichten
