Hundreds of environmental activists gathered outside Tesla’s Gigafactory plant in Grueneheide, Germany to protest against the company’s expansion plans. Organized by the group Disrupt Tesla, approximately 800 individuals participated in the protest.
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Approximately 800 individuals participated in the protest. Disrupt Tesla organized the protest. Protesters voiced concerns about the environmental impact of the plant’s expansion focusing on issues related to lithium mining for electric vehicle batteries.
The protest took place outside plant in Grueneheide near Berlin. Some protesters attempted to breach the plant’s premises leading to clashes with police.
Law enforcement officers intervened to prevent protesters from entering the site resulting in arrests and injuries.
Incidents of vandalism were reported with protesters damaging vehicles using pyrotechnics and paint.
Tesla announced the closure of the factory for one day though reasons for the shutdown were not specified. CEO Elon Musk made sure that protesters did not breach the facility’s security perimeter.
Protesters highlighted the environmental impact of lithium mining, crucial for electric vehicle battery production.
Over 60% of the local populace reportedly voted against the expansion in a poll. Some activists have been occupying part of the forest expected to be cleared for the expanded factory for months.
Elon Musk expressed confusion over the protesters’ targeting of Tesla stating that Tesla was the only car company attacked. Musk criticized the leniency of the police in handling the protests.
Disrupt planned four days of protests against the expansion. Police authorities stated they were prepared for both peaceful and non-peaceful outcomes.
In March the plant was closed for a week after a suspected arson attack on a high-voltage electricity pylon.
Disrupt Tesla addressed the ecological toll of lithium mining essential for electric car battery production. They raised concerns about the release of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the air, water, and soil as a result of lithium extraction.
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The protest saw various forms of activism including attempts to breach the plant’s premises. Protesters donning blue caps and masks emerged from nearby wooded areas prompting a tense standoff with police officers.
Some protestors resorted to blocking motorways and railway tracks, disrupting transportation services in the area.
Instances of vandalism were also reported with protesters damaging vehicles using pyrotechnics and paint at a nearby car storage site.
Law enforcement authorities were deployed to maintain public order and safety during the protest. Police officers intervened to prevent activists from breaching the Tesla plant’s security perimeter.
Several arrests were made and incidents of injuries were reported among both protesters and police officers.
CEO Elon Musk expressed dissatisfaction with the protest questioning the police’s handling of the situation.
Musk took to his social media platform X to comment on the incident, expressing bewilderment over the protesters’ decision to target Tesla specifically.
He criticized what he perceived as leniency towards left-wing protesters and reassured the public that the factory’s security perimeter remained intact.
The protest disrupted the plant’s operations leading the company to announce the closure of the Gigafactory for one day.
While the reasons for the temporary shutdown were not specified, it was later revealed that the closure was in anticipation of the protest.
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