The climate protection movement Last Generation complains about double standards in the debate about two climate protectors who are criticized for a long-distance flight to Asia. One can understand that it triggers negative feelings when protesters of the last generation get on a plane, the organization said on Thursday. But it is also a double standard, for example to dig up the town of Lützerath as a “climate chancellor”. Some sharp criticism and ridicule came from politicians in the direction of the activists.
The debate was triggered by a report in the “Bild” newspaper, according to which two climate activists should have appeared in court in Stuttgart. The man is said to have blocked a federal highway together with other activists in Stuttgart last autumn and glued himself there. He would have had to answer before the district court for coercion. The woman was called as a witness.
Instead of appearing, they flew to Bali and caused around 7.9 tons of CO2, the “Bild” newspaper calculated. A discussion broke out on social media. Individual politicians had also spoken out critically. The activists’ attitude has often been described as “hypocritical” in the face of their repeated road and airport blockades.
The two did not fly to Bali, but to Thailand to “stay there for many months,” said the last generation. Your absence had been agreed with the court. The competent district court confirmed that the persons concerned had announced before the hearing that they would not be able to appear. However, the judge did not release her from her obligation. While the testimony of the witness can be waived, the accused now receives a penalty order.
The organization Last Generation defended the long-distance journey of the two: Individual behavior is not unimportant, on the contrary, according to the statement by the climate activists. Getting involved politically against climate collapse and changing your own life in the process often go hand in hand. However, such a change in life is not a prerequisite for the protest.
