"Germany: RWE to seek compensation from anti-coal protesters", 21. January 2023

The energy company said protesters caused considerable damage to property in Lützerath. Activists had been demonstrating against the expansion of a coal mine in the village.

German energy firm RWE plans to seek compensation from protesters that demonstrated at the village of Lützerath over the planned expansion of a coal mine, a spokesman said in remarks published Saturday.

"Of course, all disruptors must expect a claim for damages," RWE spokesman Guido Steffen told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung.

Steffen said that he could not state a sum as the extent of damage caused was not yet clear.

RWE said the protests caused considerable damage to property, including vehicles and equipment belonging to the company. It said that several wells and switching stations had also been destroyed.

According to media reports, nearly 500 criminal offenses have been recorded in connection with the clearing of Lützerath.