Climate activist Greta Thunberg was among dozens of demonstrators arrested after protesters blocked the entrances to a Rheinmetall facility in Berlin.
The protest was organized by the activist group Peacefully Against Genocide, whose members glued themselves to the building’s entrances in an attempt to prevent employees from accessing the site. Berlin police eventually removed the protesters and arrested those who refused to leave.
The demonstration was directed at Rheinmetall’s production of military equipment and ammunition components, which protesters allege are supplied to Israel.
Why were protesters targeting Rheinmetall?
The protesters accuse Rheinmetall of contributing to Israel’s military operations by manufacturing ammunition and other defense equipment.
According to the organizers, the Berlin facility has increasingly shifted from producing automotive components to manufacturing military products, including artillery ammunition components. Activists argue that expanding defense production makes the company complicit in the conflict in Gaza and are demanding that it halt supplies destined for Israel.
Rheinmetall has not accepted those accusations and operates under German and international export regulations.
Why was Greta Thunberg involved?
Although Greta Thunberg became internationally known for climate activism, she has increasingly campaigned on issues related to the war in Gaza.
Since late 2023, she has participated in numerous demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and criticizing governments and companies that she believes support Israel’s military campaign. During the Berlin protest, Thunberg argued that governments had failed to prevent arms transfers and said activists were acting because political leaders were not taking sufficient action.
Her participation reflects a broader expansion of her activism beyond climate issues into human rights and international conflicts.
Why was she arrested?
Greta Thunberg was arrested because she participated in a blockade that obstructed access to private property after police ordered protesters to disperse.
German law generally protects the right to peaceful assembly, but demonstrations can result in police action if they block public access, disrupt businesses or fail to comply with police instructions. Arrests during such protests are often temporary and are intended to enforce public order while authorities determine whether criminal or administrative offenses occurred.
An arrest does not automatically mean a person has been convicted of a crime.
What is Rheinmetall?
Rheinmetall is one of Germany’s largest defense manufacturers and among Europe’s leading producers of military equipment.
The company manufactures armored vehicles, artillery systems, air-defense technology, ammunition and electronic defense systems. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Rheinmetall has significantly expanded production to meet growing European defense demand and has announced investments in new manufacturing facilities.
The company has become a symbol of Europe’s rapidly expanding defense industry.
Does Rheinmetall supply weapons to Israel?
Rheinmetall has business relationships involving defense technology and components connected to Israel, although details of individual contracts are often not publicly disclosed because of commercial and security restrictions.
German arms exports are approved by the federal government under strict export control rules. Any exports of military equipment require official authorization, and companies are legally required to comply with those licensing decisions.
The company has stated that it operates within all applicable German and international laws governing defense exports.
Why are defense companies facing more protests?
Defense manufacturers have become increasingly frequent targets of demonstrations since conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East intensified.
Some activists argue that expanding arms production fuels wars and humanitarian crises. Others believe defense companies play a legitimate role in supporting national security and helping allies defend themselves against military aggression.
The debate reflects broader disagreements over the balance between security policy, international law, arms exports and humanitarian concerns.
What are Germany’s rules on public protests?
Germany has strong constitutional protections for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
However, demonstrations must generally remain peaceful and cannot unlawfully obstruct access to buildings, damage property or ignore lawful police orders. Authorities may intervene if protests disrupt public order or create safety risks.
Police often seek to negotiate with organizers before removing demonstrators, but arrests may occur when protesters deliberately refuse to comply with dispersal orders.
What happens next?
Berlin police are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the arrests and determine whether any participants will face charges or administrative penalties.
The activist group has pledged to continue demonstrations against Rheinmetall unless the company ends military supplies connected to Israel. Meanwhile, Rheinmetall is expected to continue expanding production as European demand for defense equipment remains high amid ongoing regional security challenges.