Opinion Thunberg in court
“Activist” is not a job – get a life, Greta!
As of: 6:56 p.m. | Reading time: 2 minutes
Greta Thunberg in court in London
What: AFP
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has to stand trial in London for blocking a road. She now faces a fine there. Will this convince them that “activist” isn’t a job?
The sympathy that Greta Thunberg enjoyed among many people who don’t think school strikes are a good idea has evaporated. The Swedish climate activist herself contributed to this by showing solidarity with the demands of Arab terrorists at demonstrations against Israel. Does she need the publicity? One is reminded of an aging star taking part in the jungle camp. Thunberg is only 21.
But their “Fridays For Future” movement has long since been outpaced in the media by the more militant “Last Generation”. In the meantime, however, the “last generation” has realized that their gluing actions were counterproductive. It seems out of date that Thunberg is on trial in London for blocking a road.
also read
Of course, Thunberg didn’t just annoy drivers last October, but wanted to prevent participants at a meeting of high-ranking oil managers from entering their conference hotel. The protest against the oil lobby is understandable; The intervention of the police is just as understandable. Thunberg was asked to clear the street, she refused, was arrested and is now on trial for disturbing public order.
Harsh punishments in Great Britain
In Germany, too, blocking a road can be punished as coercion. As a rule, there are fines for this, but last fall the Heilbronn district court sentenced three repeat offenders for sticking activities to prison sentences of five, four and three months without parole.
also read
In London, two climate activists were sentenced to three years and two years and seven months in prison for blocking a bridge for 40 hours. The basis was a new law by the now fired Interior Minister Suella Braverman, which significantly increased the penalties for disturbing public order.
also read
Five months for unteachable climate stickers seems justifiable. But three years for blocking a bridge is harsh. If you consider that in England you can get away with four years in prison for rape, and in Germany even with six months, the question of proportionality arises.
Thunberg, however, probably only faces a fine of 2,500 pounds (around 2,900 euros). That seems appropriate. Unfortunately, no amount of punishment will convince them that “activist” isn’t a job. Get a life, Greta!