The large demonstration began at lunchtime on Saturday.
According to the television company, the demonstrators have also stated that several of them were seriously injured during the demonstrations. However, this information has not been able to be confirmed by ZDF.
“What we witnessed today and the last few days is pure police violence. There are several reports of head injuries and also that a person has had to be taken to hospital by ambulance helicopter. Water cannons were used and once again medical personnel have not been released,” writes the organizer Instagram.
The eviction continues
A spokesperson for the police says at lunchtime on Sunday that over 70 police officers were injured in the demonstration, writes ZDF.
During Sunday, the eviction of protesters continued – which has been going on since Wednesday. The police told ZDF on Sunday morning that it should only be about single people who are still in the area.
The two protesters who were in a tunnel in the area were still there on Sunday morning. According to the energy giant RWE, work continues to get them out, writes ZDF.
Greta Thunberg participated
The climate demonstrators have protested against an energy company wanting to mine new lignite in the area. On Saturday, a larger demonstration was held – according to the organizers, 35,000 people joined – in which, among others, the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg participated.
RWE must end its coal mining by 2030. The German government believes that the decision is necessary due to the ongoing energy crisis and pending the expansion of renewable energy, critics believe that the mine is already unnecessary today.