Some demonstrators against the expansion of electric car maker Tesla’s factory in the Berlin suburb of Grüneheide clashed with police on Friday as they tried to storm the facility.
About 800 people took part in the protest, according to the organizing group Disrupt Tesla, which says the expansion will damage the environment.
Reuters video shows dozens of people wearing blue hats and face masks coming from a nearby wooded area and attempting to enter the company’s premises, as police try to stop them, including using force. It was reflected.
At least one protester was detained.
“Why do the police let left-wing protesters get away so easily?” Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on his social media platform X, adding that the protesters were unable to break through.
The video also showed medical workers helping the injured.
“We are here today to draw attention to the environmental damage caused by the Tesla factory in Grunheide,” Disrupt Tesla spokesperson Ole Becker told Reuters.
Becker said the organization also wants to highlight the environmental damage caused by lithium mining in countries such as Argentina and Bolivia. Lithium is an important resource for electric vehicle batteries.
“We protect freedom of assembly, but we also have a responsibility for public order and safety,” Brandenburg police spokesman Mario Heinemann said. In other words, we will intervene if necessary. ”
Police confirmed that protesters tried to enter the factory grounds but were stopped, several people were detained, and that they had received several reports of injuries.
Some protesters used fireworks and paint to damage several Tesla cars at a nearby car storage area, the police spokesperson added.
Tesla announced earlier this week that it would close its factory for one day on Friday without giving a reason.
