Grünheide, Germany – Demonstrators staged a protest against the expansion of Tesla’s plant in Grünheide near Berlin, citing concerns about environmental damage. The clash with police occurred as some protesters attempted to storm the facility on Friday, with around 800 participants organized by the group Disrupt Tesla. The group alleges that the expansion plans would have adverse effects on the environment.
Video footage captured individuals wearing blue caps and masks emerging from a nearby wooded area in an attempt to breach the plant’s premises, prompting police intervention to prevent their entry. Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed frustration on social media platform X, questioning the perceived leniency towards left-wing protestors who failed to infiltrate the site.
Disrupt Tesla spokesperson, Ole Becker, highlighted the group’s focus on environmental destruction associated with lithium mining in regions like Argentina and Bolivia, crucial for electric vehicle battery production. Becker emphasized the protest’s aim to draw attention to environmental concerns linked to the Tesla factory in Grünheide.
Authorities confirmed protesters’ efforts to access the plant, resulting in several detentions, injuries, and instances of damaged Tesla cars nearby using pyrotechnics and paint. Brandenburg police spokesperson, Mario Heinemann, reiterated the balance between upholding assembly rights while ensuring public order and safety through necessary interventions.
Tesla had announced the temporary closure of the factory for a day, with no specified reason given. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between environmental activism and industrial expansion, reflecting broader debates surrounding sustainable development and corporate responsibility.