In the largest anti-nuclear demonstration in Germany in decades, over 30,000 protesters used militant direct action to disrupt the transport of 123 tons of atomic waste from France to Danneberg. Protesters throughout northern Germany blockaded roads and railway tracks to stop the movement of the waste on trains and trucks. They dug up the rails, chained themselves to the tracks, and set up barricades of cars and tractors in roads.
The 900-mile route to Danneberg has been the site of numerous protests dating back to 1996, when it was first utilized to transport nuclear waste. This action came after Chancellor Merkel moved to extend the use of Germany’s nuclear power plants by 12 years, which reversed the course set by Social Democrats to phase out the plants by 2021.
The government sent in squads of riot police to dispel the demonstration. They used water cannons, tear gas and batons to fight the protesters.
Polls show most Germans are against Merkel’s extension.
