G8 Germany: Activists Take Beach Outside Summit Venue
Think G8 | 12.08.2006 18:05 | Repression
“Camp Inski”, the preparation and information camp for the forthcoming G8 summit in Germany drew to a close on 11 August with a direct action “bathing day” on the beach outside the Hotel Kempinski where the summit will be help. Approximately 400 people followed the call and arrived at the beach from various directions. There were various actions to Samba sounds - apart from the communal swim, a building was briefly occupied, highlighting the expropriation of the Kempinski family by the Nazis. Police used heavy handed tactics, pepperspray and batons when a train was occupied.
swimming against the G8
clowns take on the hotel's security
a nearby building is occupied and defended
a train was occupied but later attacked by police
People faredodged several trains to get to the beach. However, a small holiday train was stopped by police and activists taken off it to walk for much of the way – penned in by police units. The situation at the beach was calm, peaceful and colourful, until several activists occupied a house nearby. A swift eviction was prevented by a show of solidarity of anti-G8 swimmers and the Rebel Clown Army. The Hotel’s security guards also couldn’t prevent people getting as close as to the Hotel’s walls of the future summit venue. Attempted arrests on the beach were also prevented at that time.
Only when about 180 people occupied a train leaving the beach did the police’s strategy escalate. Officers shut the coaches doors and sprayed pepperspray into the train. Children and babies were equally affected as asthma sufferers. Several people were taken from the train by riot police and one person kept in custody.
All in all, activists speak of the day as a success, despite the shocking end.
Only when about 180 people occupied a train leaving the beach did the police’s strategy escalate. Officers shut the coaches doors and sprayed pepperspray into the train. Children and babies were equally affected as asthma sufferers. Several people were taken from the train by riot police and one person kept in custody.
All in all, activists speak of the day as a success, despite the shocking end.
Think G8
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