Furious anti-Tesla eco activists storm Elon Musk Gigafactory as they claim EV production expansion will destroy forests
Hundreds of anti-Tesla campaigners have stormed a Gigafactory in Germany in protest over Elon Musk's planned expansion
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Hundreds of anti-Tesla campaigners have stormed a Gigafactory in Germany in protest over Elon Musk's planned expansion.
Tesla shut down its factory near Berlin on Friday amid concerns of angry protesters who oppose plans to more than double the production capacity of its only factory in Europe.
Disrupt, an self-proclaimed anti-capitalist protest group, argue that the expansion would see surrounding forests cut down and further strain local water supply.
The campaigners have set out to "prevent the work" of Musk and warn that "electric cars are not a solution".
Tesla shut down its factory near Berlin on Friday amid concerns of angry protesters
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Footage shows eco-warriors breaking through police lines and running towards the factory.
Other videos appear to show officer using pepper spray to stop protesters.
Police in Brandenburg, where the plant is located, said that they had prepared for "extensive" operations.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Disruptive protests as well as criminal acts typical of this kind of gathering cannot be ruled out.
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"Consequently, the police are prepared for both a peaceful and non-peaceful outcome. If crimes are committed, the police will intervene resolutely."
The giant plant is capable of producing more than 375,000 electric cars a year.
Local residents reportedly voted against a motion to clear enough forest for Tesla to expand the site.
The local authorities will now decide how to proceed.
Footage shows eco-warriors breaking through police lines and running towards the factory
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It is the second time over recent months that protesters have disrupted operations at the plant.
In March, activists said they were responsible for an arson attack on a high-voltage electricity pylon delivering power to the factory.
The campaigners wrote in a letter published on alternative German media website Kontrapolis that they had “sabotaged” the plant because it "consumes Earth, resources, people, labor and spits out 6,000 SUVs, killer cars and monster trucks per week."