German court jails 4 climate activists for blocking roads

BERLIN (AA) - Four climate activists of the Last Generation movement have been given prison sentences of up to 5 months for blocking roads, local media reported on Tuesday.

Daniel E., a university student, was sentenced to five months in prison by the Heilbronn court for gluing himself to a street in the southwestern city, according to the daily Bild.

He defended the group’s radical protests, saying the politicians are ignoring the climate crisis.

“A change for the better can only be achieved through protest. Our blockades are morally justified,” he said in the court.

Two other climate activists were handed prison terms between three and four months by the court. Another activist was given a suspended prison sentence of three months.

Supporters of the movement staged a demonstration in front of the court building in Heilbronn to protest the heavy penalties.

The Last Generation activists are known for their extreme actions and radical protests to draw attention to climate change.

Members of the group glued their hands to famous paintings in museums and blocked highways and even runways at airports to attract media attention.

Climate activists are heavily criticizing the German government for not taking serious measures against climate change, but further investing in fossil fuel infrastructure, endangering the future of humankind.

The group announced on Tuesday that it will be organizing a large demonstration in Berlin on Sunday under the title "Prevent climate collapse, protect fundamental rights," in order to remind the government of its responsibility.