Berlin climate activists fined for Brandenburg Gate paint protest in 2023

A bold protest for the planet turned costly. The activists' paint attack on a historic monument now fuels debates over climate action and civil disobedience.

, and Administrator

2026 February 2 . 5:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a crowd of people standing in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany,... — The image shows a crowd of people standing in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, holding flags and placards in their hands. The arch of the gate is adorned with statues and pillars, and the sky is filled with clouds. On the right side of the image, there is a banner with text, likely related to the protest.

Fines for Climate Activists After Color Attack on Brandenburg Gate - Berlin climate activists fined for Brandenburg Gate paint protest in 2023

Four climate activists have been fined for their involvement in a paint attack on Berlin's Brandenburg Gate in September 2023. The court found them guilty of criminal damage and resisting police during the protests. Their actions were part of a larger demonstration aimed at highlighting the climate crisis.

The incident saw 11 activists spray the historic monument with paint, causing €110,000 in cleaning costs. Three of the convicted protesters used a hydraulic lift to climb onto the gate, while a fourth coordinated the operation. Prosecutors argued that the group deliberately targeted the landmark to draw attention to environmental issues.

The trial resulted in fines between €1,200 and €3,300 for each defendant. However, the case is not yet closed, as prosecutors have appealed the verdict. By February 2026, a total of 18 more individuals linked to the protests had also faced charges or court proceedings.

The convictions follow a series of legal actions tied to the 2023 protests. The activists were formally charged with joint criminal damage and obstructing law enforcement. Further trials for others involved in the demonstration are still ongoing.