The trial against several members of the climate initiative Last Generation has begun following their actions on Sylt and in Neustadt in Holstein in the summer of 2023. According to Philip Fendt, spokesperson for the Flensburg District Court, the proceedings involve six activists accused of damaging a runway and an aircraft during protests on June 6 and June 14, 2023. The main hearings are scheduled to take place from November 12 to 15, 2024, at the China Logistics Centre in Itzehoe.
Accusations of vandalism and disruption
The activists allegedly gained unauthorized access to the airport on the North Sea island, spray-painted a private jet, and rendered it inoperable. They are also accused of damaging a golf course on June 14 by carrying out a planting action. The Flensburg Public Prosecutor’s Office charges the defendants with vandalism and trespassing, estimating damage to the aircraft at a minimum of one million euros. The indictment also includes charges of disrupting public operations due to the impact on airport activities.
There is currently no new update on proceedings related to additional actions by the activists on Sylt. These include incidents at a hotel in Westerland on June 8, 2023, in front of a luxury boutique in Kampen on June 16, 2023, and the occupation of a private motor yacht in Neustadt/Holstein on June 20, 2023. Philip Fendt mentioned that further developments could be expected in the coming weeks, with the Niebüll District Court likely to decide on the opening of these cases.
Additional charges and recent events
In a second indictment, the activists face charges of vandalism and trespassing related to a paint attack on a Jugendstil bar in Westerland, where they caused 46,000 euros in damage. In Kampen, they are accused of defacing the facades of two luxury shops, causing a total of 71,000 euros in damage. The motor yacht in Neustadt/Holstein sustained damage amounting to at least a quarter of a million euros.
The Flensburg Public Prosecutor’s Office has also initiated a separate investigation into parts of the Last Generation group for involvement in a criminal organization. On August 10, 2023, the group targeted the Sylt airport again, with protesters briefly gluing themselves next to a private jet. Their attempt to spray paint the aircraft was thwarted by swift action from airport staff. A third activist was apprehended by police at the airport fence, while the women were removed and taken away by police car. The activists had previously cut a hole in the airport fence to gain access to the site. The Flensburg Public Prosecutor’s Office is now investigating charges of vandalism and trespassing related to this incident, with the trial date yet to be determined.
