They stick to the streets and block the lanes. In the fight for the climate, activists cross borders and end up in court. Express procedures, such as those recently used in a New Year's Eve rioter in Heilbronn, could help, says the Minister of Justice.
Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - Not only New Year's Eve rioters, but also climate activists may soon find themselves in the dock much faster after protests or blockades. In the opinion of the Baden-Württemberg Minister of Justice Marion Gentges, the environmentalists could also be convicted through accelerated procedures. "Traffic blockades by climate activists are generally suitable for being treated in an accelerated procedure," she told the German Press Agency.
Prerequisites for express procedures are easy-to-provide proof and facts that are not too complicated. "Both conditions are present in these crimes," said Gentges. Last week, a 30-year-old man from Heilbronn was sentenced to nine months in prison without parole in a similarly rapid trial before the district court. He had rioted on New Year's Eve and attacked police officers.
With the verdicts on the same or sometimes the next day, the judiciary wants to avoid the time-consuming and costly process for smaller crimes. Fast decisions in court should not only relieve public prosecutors and courts, but also victims, witnesses and even the perpetrators. According to the will of the judiciary, the punishment should ideally follow on the heels of the crime.
