Environmental activists flatten tires in Berlin – what’s behind it?

Environmental activists flatten tires in Berlin – what’s behind it?

There was a remarkable incident in the Berlin district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf in which unknown perpetrators deflated the tires of almost 40 vehicles. According to information from rbb24 This happened over the course of a day on Friday. Environmentally related letters were also attached to the affected vehicles, indicating a possible connection to environmental activist movements. The Berlin police, who are investigating the incidents, have not yet been able to confirm which group has claimed responsibility for the crimes.

A police spokesman said that the State Police Office of the State Criminal Police Office had begun an investigation into property damage. What is particularly noteworthy is that similar actions in the past have often been attributed to the activists of the so-called “Tyre Extinguishers”, who have been active in Berlin since 2021 and are known for emptying the tires of SUVs and other highly polluting vehicles.

Action in Steglitz-Zehlendorf

In a parallel campaign, climate activists from the “Tyre Extinguishers” group announced that they had damaged the tires of 120 vehicles in Steglitz-Zehlendorf. While the activists on the X platform (formerly Twitter) confirmed this incident and even called for further damage to property, the police initially assumed a lower, double-digit number of cars affected. This discrepancy between the statements of the activists and the police shows the tensions and the different perceptions of these protests.

The police are now busy evaluating the incidents in both districts. Activists often see their actions as a necessary part of the protest against climate-unfriendly means of transport, while the authorities classify these actions as damage to property.

The social pressure on climate movements

The current situation of the climate movement is characterized by comprehensive pressure. Reports show that activists are increasingly facing police violence and subtle intimidation tactics. A study by ND Current shows that 83 percent of the 162 activists surveyed feel restricted in their commitment. These restrictions result not only from direct violence, but also from fear of negative effects on private life and professional future.

The phenomenon of social pressure leads to reduced engagement as many activists sense the threat of state repression. “Chilling effects” can be observed when people are forced to self-censor, which affects public perception of the climate movement and weakens their social support. In addition, the protest is increasingly perceived as a threat to public safety, which in many ways forms the basis for the criminalization of activists.

The discussion about the understanding of civil disobedience as part of democratic participation is becoming increasingly urgent. In light of current developments, the authors of the study call for a review of laws and practices to prevent abuse against peaceful activists and create a supportive environment for climate protection.