Thread by @GreenpeaceAT

Vienna’s city government (@Stadt_Wien) threatens climate activists, who are peacefully protesting against the construction of a motorway, with massive lawsuits.

These threats are classic SLAPPs: Lawsuits to silence the voices of young activists and end their protest. (1/6)

What does SLAPP mean?

A strategic lawsuit against public participation is intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition. (2/6)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic…

In this case young climate activists and members of NGOs and civil society received letters, which threatened them with massive legal costs. The media reports that the city might claim millions from these activists, which would basically ruin their future. (3/6)

What are the activists protesting against?

The mayor of Vienna (@BgmLudwig) wants to build a new four lane motorway planned decades ago. With the climate crisis needing immediate actions, the construction of new motorways is highly reckless. (4/6)

Young climate activists have been protesting against the plan for months at the construction site. In order to start construction the city now threatens them with lawsuits and eviction. We stand in solidarity with the activists, who are fighting for a better future. (5/6)

The threat of lawsuits must be stopped immediately by the City of Vienna and mayor @BgmLudwig. To reach a Paris 1,5 °C emission path the City must stop all new motorway constructions and invest heavily in the expansion of the public transport system in the affected regions. (6/6)