German authorities are investigating a suspected arson incident at a Berlin construction site, reportedly linked to protests against the expansion of a Tesla factory by environmental activists.

On Tuesday morning, several fires were reported at the site in the eastern Berlin district of Marzahn, affecting construction cranes and Deutsche Bahn signal cables, according to Berlin police. The cause is being assessed as arson with potential political motivations.

A far-left group has posted an anonymous claim of responsibility, calling attention to their opposition to the project by construction firm Strabag, which is involved in the expansion of the Tesla plant in Grünheide, just south-east of the capital. The suspects argue that the project involves clearing vast swaths of forest for a new freight yard.

Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has been a point of contention in Germany, especially after Musk voiced support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leading up to recent federal elections. The company’s plans to double production capacity at the Grünheide site faced local resistance, including a previous suspected arson attack on power lines in March 2024, and ongoing protests by environmentalists and activists.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/police-probe-arson-attack-linked-to-tesla-plant-in-berlin/a-71763828?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf