Activism: Last generation: Justice Senator has the assessment checked

Berlin’s new justice senator Felor Badenberg (independent) has it checked whether the climate group Last Generation is a criminal organization.

The life and everyday life of people in Berlin are significantly affected and sometimes endangered by the activities of the climate demonstrators, Badenberg told the German Press Agency on Saturday. “It is therefore important to exhaust all legal options, and that includes the question of whether the Last Generation is a “criminal organization.” The Berlin public prosecutor’s office had so far seen no evidence of this.

Investigations in Brandenburg

On the other hand, investigations are underway in neighboring Brandenburg against the climate group on suspicion of forming a criminal organization. The background to the proceedings at the Neuruppin public prosecutor’s office is, among other things, attacks by activists on the PCK Schwedt refinery since April 2022. The Potsdam Regional Court recently also saw an initial suspicion that the Last Generation could be a criminal organization.

At the request of Justice Senator Badenberg, the department responsible for criminal law in her house is now to deal with this decision. The result would then be of importance to the public prosecutor. Unlike in most other European countries, German justice ministries have the right to issue instructions to public prosecutors. This is a topic that is being discussed nationwide.

However, this does not apply to court. Badenberg also emphasized this independence: “The prosecution monopoly lies with the public prosecutor’s office, and only the courts can adjudicate.” Ultimately, only they can decide whether the Last Generation is a criminal organization.

The group has been drawing attention to the consequences of climate change with sit-ins since 2022. In recent weeks, climate activists have intensified their protests on the streets of Berlin. Hundreds of police officers are regularly deployed to break up blockades.