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Solidarity with the »Last Generation« in Munich: On Wednesday evening, hundreds of people gathered on Marienplatz for a spontaneous demonstration

Photo: IMAGO/Sachelle Babbar / IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

The large-scale raid against the »Last Generation« has led to criticism of the authorities, as well as expressions of solidarity with the activists. In the past two days, they have received more than 300,000 euros in donations.

Since most of the group's accounts have been blocked since the raid, she shared a link on Tuesday to the donation page of the initiative "Social Council Now", which supports the concerns of the "Last Generation". Since then, thousands of people have taken advantage of this detour and apparently wanted to show solidarity with the protesters with their donation.

The subject matter of the donations testifies to dissatisfaction with the actions of the police. "Against the criminalization of moral voices to meet agreed climate targets," is how one person justifies his contribution. Another wrote: "You have my full solidarity! The actions of the last generation are civil disobedience and absolutely proportionate in the face of the climate catastrophe.« Another would like to see "a respectful and appreciative treatment of the 'last generation', as befits their motives".

Around 600 people demonstrate in Munich

In the evening, hundreds of people had gathered in downtown Munich to protest against the raids. According to local media reports, among those present were supporters of the "Last Generation", "Extinction Rebellion" and various subgroups of the "Fridays for Future" movement, but also citizens who simply wanted to show their support.

One of the participants was the scientist Harald Lesch, known from television. He told Bayerischer Rundfunk that although he was "not a fan" of sticking himself, he was "shocked" by the crackdown on the activists.

"They do indeed constitute coercion, but not that of a criminal organization that is so dangerous that the state has to strike so hard," Lesch told BR. This is "completely exaggerated" and "in no way proportionate".

The activists have the right to express their opinion and do a lot of things right, Lesch said. "They take a very close look at the scientific content and are very well informed."

United Nations criticises crackdown on climate activists

Similar words also come from New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said through a spokesman on Wednesday: "Climate activists – led by the moral voice of young people – have continued to pursue their goals even in the darkest days. They need to be protected and we need them now more than ever."

At "crucial moments, protesters have been instrumental in persuading governments and business leaders to do much more." Without them, the global climate goals would already be out of reach.

ZOB