The attack on the power supply of the only European Tesla factory is a case for Germany’s highest prosecutor. Brandenburg’s head of government speaks of terrorism.
Three days after the arson attack on the electric car manufacturer Tesla’s power supply, the federal prosecutor’s office took over the investigation. The initial suspicion is, among other things, membership in a terrorist organization, unconstitutional sabotage and communal arson, said a spokeswoman for the Karlsruhe authorities. “No further information is currently being provided,” said the highest law enforcement authority in Germany.
On Tuesday, previously unknown perpetrators set fire to an electricity pylon in a field in eastern Brandenburg, which also ensures the supply to the Tesla factory in Grünheide near Berlin. Production at Elon Musk’s company’s only European factory has stopped. Tens of thousands of residents were also affected by a power outage.
Head of government: Attack damages reputation
The left-wing extremist “Vulkan Group” had declared that it was responsible for the attack. The police believe a letter of confession is genuine. The investigators are looking for witnesses who noticed the crime on Tuesday night or who can provide information about suspects. “Witnesses have come forward,” said a spokeswoman for the Frankfurt (Oder) public prosecutor’s office, before the investigation was transferred to the Federal Prosecutor General. However, for tactical reasons, no further information would be provided. The public prosecutor’s office had previously investigated unconstitutional sabotage, disruption of public operations and arson.
According to Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD), the Federal Prosecutor General’s takeover of the investigation proves the seriousness of the crimes. “The arson attack near Grünheide represents a serious state-endangering crime in which people were condoned and put in danger,” he said. “This terrorist attack on our critical infrastructure and our legal system is causing a global stir and damaging our country’s reputation.”
Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) welcomed the Federal Prosecutor’s Office’s decision. “This increases the pressure on the criminal gang that operates throughout Germany and possibly even internationally,” said Stübgen, who is currently chairman of the Conference of Interior Ministers, to the German Press Agency. After the attack, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) called for tough action against left-wing extremists.
Higher security measures at the attack site
Since the attack, Tesla and an Edeka logistics center have not yet been able to receive electricity again. The network operator Edis spoke of significant damage to the mast and live parts. According to the electric car manufacturer, production in Grünheide will probably remain interrupted until the end of next week – longer than initially thought. This also applies to the Edeka distribution center.
Security precautions on the area around the damaged power pole have been increased. The area will be extensively fenced off so that only qualified personnel will have access, the electricity network operator Edis announced on its website. A security service is on duty and the police ensure constant patrolling and security.
According to economic researcher Joachim Ragnitz, the attack is a warning signal for the economy. “If we in Germany don’t manage to better protect critical infrastructures, this could actually have a negative impact in the medium to long term,” said the deputy head of the Ifo Institute in Dresden to RBB Inforadio. “In addition, the damage to the image of the region and Germany as a whole is of course quite significant.” However, the scientist does not assume that Tesla will have any consequences for the settlement in Brandenburg.
The Edeka retail chain wants to fill the shelves in stores in Berlin and Brandenburg again as soon as possible, despite the continued interruption of the power line to the Freienbrink logistics center. “In some cases there may still be delays in deliveries to the stores,” said a company spokesman for the Edeka Minden-Hannover Foundation. “However, an adequate supply of everyday products is ensured in the markets.” Like Tesla, Edeka expects the connection to the power grid to be restored by the end of next week.
The responsible electricity network operator Edis did not give a date and spoke of the goal of “quickly resupplying Tesla and the logistics center” with electricity. All practical work on site is accompanied and supported by a technology task force made up of experienced network experts, it said. At this point in time it is also not possible to make a statement about the amount of damage.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
