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Anja Windl, known as “Climate Shakira,” was sentenced to a fine. Instead of paying, she might choose to go to prison.
Munich – On August 30, 2023, several activists from the “Last Generation” stuck themselves in Munich onto Einsteinstrasse at the intersection with Leuchtenbergring. The action was part of a Bavaria-wide campaign by climate activists. Among the protesters was Anja Windl, also known as “climate-Shakira” is known.
The action caused a traffic jam several hundred meters long and also violated a General decree of the city of Munich. That's why four of the participants – including Anja Windl – now had to answer before the Munich district court.
“Climate Shakira” justifies sticking actions in court – and gets a fine
However, Anja Windl apparently showed little understanding in court. The 27-year-old admitted her participation in the protest, but saw her means as justified. “We are on the brink. Civil disobedience is legitimate when all other means have been exhausted,” quoted oe24.at a statement from Anja Windl in court.
However, for the judge, this explanation was not enough to justify the fact that the defendants “recognized the traffic jam as a possible consequence of their actions and accepted it with approval,” as the indictment put it. In the end, the 27-year-old “Climate Shakira” was sentenced to pay a fine of 600 euros (40 daily rates of 15 euros each). Another defendant received the same sentence. The other two each have to pay 40 daily rates of 20 euros each.
If in doubt, climate activist will probably choose imprisonment instead of a fine, but first appeals
Alternatively, the fine can be converted into a prison sentence. In Anja Windl's case that would be 40 days in prison and she will probably serve that. Because according to their own statements t-online.de Her “financial means are barely enough to live on.” She simply cannot pay the fine imposed on her. However, while she has the choice, another climate activist was directly sentenced to prison for his behavior.
However, if she has her way, it shouldn't even get that far. “I don’t accept the verdict,” she said and announced that she would appeal. She also wants to continue to take part in the protests of the “Last Generation”.
However, the activist who currently lives in Graz may only have to do this outside of Austria in the future. The authorities there are currently considering a ban on residence for several years t-online.de. Such a measure had already been discussed in 2023. At that time she even asked Markus Söder to stand up for her. (sp)
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