Protests erupt against Tesla’s European plant expansion

Hundreds of environment protesters have fought with cops in Germany after trying to storm the Tesla factory near Berlin.

Friday’s demonstration against the proposed expansion of Tesla‘s only European plant in Grünheide, Brandenburg, turned violent, resulting in several injuries, including three police officers. 

The protest, fueled by environmental concerns, saw activists attempting to block access to the facility.

Environmental Concerns Spark Protest

Campaigners, who have been camped out in the woods near Grünheide since February, argue that Tesla’s plans to double the size of its factory would cause significant environmental damage. They blocked nearby motorways, disrupted railway services, and staged sit-ins to voice their opposition.

Tensions Escalate as Protesters Clash with Police

Videos shared on social media captured the intense scenes as protesters attempted to breach the police cordon and gain access to the factory grounds. Despite their efforts, police managed to prevent them from entering the facility, leading to multiple arrests.

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Tesla Responds to Demonstrations

Tesla announced the closure of the site for the day due to the protests, allowing employees to work from home. CEO Elon Musk took to social media to address the situation, expressing frustration over the ease with which protesters were treated by the police.

Activists Seek to Raise Awareness

Ole Becker, a spokesman for Disrupt Tesla, the group behind the protests, emphasized their goal of drawing attention to the environmental impact of the factory’s expansion. 

Activists have occupied parts of the forest slated for clearance, demonstrating against the project for months.

Challenges Faced by Tesla’s Gigafactory

The Gigafactory, which currently employs thousands and produces hundreds of thousands of cars annually, has faced challenges, including production halts due to issues like power outages. 

In March, production was briefly halted after a suspected arson attack claimed by the far-left activist group Volcano Group.

As tensions persist between Tesla’s expansion plans and environmental activists, the future of the Gigafactory remains uncertain amidst ongoing protests and opposition.