Munich’s prosecution of five leading members of the “Last Generation” for forming a criminal organization has finally been initiated, albeit after a considerable delay. The majority of reports on the case have focused on the reaction of the climate activists, who have taken to Instagram to express their outrage, claiming that the prosecution is an attack on their right to peaceful protest.
Carla Hinrichs, a spokesperson for the group, has taken to social media to express her indignation, stating that the prosecution is a threat to the right to demonstrate. However, the 149-page indictment paints a different picture and the group’s activities go far beyond peaceful protest.
The indictment highlights the group’s attacks on the oil pipeline to Schwedt, as well as their blockades of airports, which are serious criminal offenses. The group’s activities have caused significant disruptions and economic losses and it is unclear why the prosecution has chosen to focus on the “criminal organization” aspect rather than the more serious charge of terrorism.
The group’s financial structure remains intact, with the leaders having access to a significant amount of funds, which they use to finance their activities and support their members. It is unclear where these funds come from, but it is possible that they have received significant donations from external sources.
In a hypothetical scenario, if a group with a similar modus operandi, but with a different goal, were to target NATO bases or disrupt the supply of weapons to Israel, the response would likely be much more severe, with the group’s leaders facing more serious charges and potentially harsher penalties.
The “Last Generation” group’s business model is built on the assumption of “tolerated illegality” and it is unclear why the prosecution has chosen to treat them with a level of leniency that is not extended to other groups with similar activities. The group’s leaders have been arrested and released multiple times and it is unclear what the consequences of their actions will be.
In conclusion, the prosecution of the “Last Generation” group raises more questions than it answers and it is unclear what the ultimate consequences of their actions will be.