Vienna Court Issues Fines in 'Last Generation' Climate Protest Trial

The Vienna Regional Court concluded proceedings against seven former members of the dissolved climate activism group known as the 'Last Generation', resulting in financial penalties for five defendants. The trial addressed charges of property damage and aggravated property damage stemming from a series of protests, including highway blockades and disruptive demonstrations at public institutions.

During the hearings, the defendants, all linked to the 'Last Generation' movement, faced allegations for their involvement in protests that occurred between 2023 and 2025. The group's activities included blocking the A2 motorway in Lower Austria, where members used strong adhesives to attach themselves to the road surface and to each other's hands. Some defendants also participated in further actions, such as demonstrations at the Vienna Parliament, the application of paint in commercial locations, and protest acts at the headquarters of political parties.

The prosecution argued that the protests resulted in significant disruption and required substantial resources to address the resulting damage. Two women, a German student and a 25-year-old Austrian, were specifically accused of aggravated property damage during the 2023 highway blockade. Additional charges were brought against other group members for their support and participation in these activities, including similar adhesive tactics and the use of paint during demonstrations at Vienna Airport in 2024.

While the defendants acknowledged their participation in the protests, they maintained that their actions were motivated by a perceived necessity to draw attention to climate change and political developments. The court heard that these protests were designed to target decision-makers and raise public awareness, although the prosecution maintained that the methods employed led to unlawful damages.

Among the accused was a 76-year-old retiree from Bavaria, who described his involvement as a matter of conscience. Other defendants referenced their commitment to environmental activism and opposition to certain political alliances as reasons for their participation. The hearing was marked by expressions of support from the audience, prompting the presiding judge to remind attendees of the court's procedural guidelines and neutrality.

Legal representatives for the defendants sought acquittals, arguing that the actions constituted a response to an imminent danger and that the motives differed fundamentally from those in unrelated criminal proceedings. Despite these arguments, the court imposed monetary fines on five participants, citing the time and costs required to remedy the consequences of their actions. In two cases, diversionary measures were applied, allowing those defendants to avoid formal convictions.

The judge acknowledged the social motivations behind the protests but emphasized the need to apply the law irrespective of personal or political perspectives. The broader trial involves a total of 47 former activists from the now-defunct climate movement, with several already receiving similar penalties and others reaching diversionary solutions. The next hearing in the ongoing proceedings is scheduled for April.