On May 10, protesters opposed to Tesla's expansion of its Grueneheide plant near Berlin clashed with police, some of whom tried to storm the factory, according to media reports.
About 800 people took part in the protest, according to protest organizer Disrupt Tesla. The group claims that Tesla's expansion of the factory will cause damage to the local environment.
A video released by foreign media showed dozens of people wearing blue hats and face masks coming from the nearby woods and trying to storm the Tesla factory. The police tried to stop them, including by using force. At least one protester was detained. The video shows paramedics at the scene helping the injured.
Mario Heinemann, a spokesman for the Berlin Brandenburg police, said: "We protect freedom of assembly, but we are also responsible for public order and safety. This means that we also intervene when necessary. "
Police confirmed that protesters tried to enter the factory but were prevented, several people were detained, and police also received several reports of injuries. A police spokesperson added that some demonstrators damaged several Tesla vehicles with pyrotechnics and paint at a nearby car storage area.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on his social media platform X: "Why are the police letting left-wing demonstrators go so easily? Musk also added that the demonstrators were not able to successfully enter the factory.
Ole Becker, a spokesman for the group "Destroy Tesla," told the media: "We are here today to draw attention to the environmental damage caused by Tesla's factory in Glenheide. "
Becker said the group also wants to highlight the environmental damage caused by lithium mining in countries such as Argentina and Bolivia. Lithium is a key resource for EV batteries.
Tesla said earlier this week that the Glenheide plant would be closed for one day on May 9, but the company did not disclose a specific reason.
