Activists are still hiding in tree houses and in a tunnel. It is not known how many coal opponents are still in place. Both sides were injured in clashes with the police.
Police want to continue the evacuation of the village of Lützerath on the edge of the Garzweiler open pit lignite mine on Sunday. According to the police, climate activists are still on the village site, which has been isolated since Wednesday, for example in tree houses. Two activists were also left in a tunnel under a building. It is not known how many coal opponents are still in place.
Energy company RWE spoke on Saturday about preparations to get the two activists out of the tunnel. “A rescue concept is being worked on,” a company spokesman said. One is also in contact with external experts and the service organization. “The two sitting there say they are doing well.” They wouldn’t have a problem with fresh air.
Police used water cannons and batons
The village of Lützerath, a district of Erkelenz west of Cologne, has been cordoned off by police for days and surrounded by a double fence. The few buildings in the settlement will be demolished to allow energy company RWE to excavate the lignite underneath. On the other hand, many thousands of people demonstrated in the neighboring neighborhood of Keyenberg on Saturday. The police spoke of 15,000 participants, the organizers estimated the number at 35,000.
On the sidelines of the demonstration, there were clashes between demonstrators and the police. Police said people were injured on both sides. The exact number of wounded and the circumstances leading to their injuries were not initially known. According to the police, around 1,000 masked “troublemakers” tried to enter the isolated area of the village. To repel them, the police used water cannons, batons and pepper spray. Initially, it was not announced if there were any arrests.
Protesters reportedly threw pyrotechnics
According to the police, individual protesters also attacked police vehicles and threw pyrotechnics in the direction of the officers. A spokesman said the tires were slashed and the mirrors ripped off.
Energy company RWE announced in the evening that it was “horrified by the aggression and violence that emanated from some of the activists”. This has nothing to do with the peaceful demonstration. “Anyone who uninhibitedly throws rocks and fireworks at police and tries to break through barricades is not criticizing energy policy, but attacking the social foundations of our rule of law.”
The main speaker at the rally was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. “Lützerath is still there, and as long as the coal is still in the ground, this fight is not over,” said the 20-year-old to applause from the crowd.