Europe News

Berlin police prevent occupation of Tempelhof airport

Jun 21, 2009, 8:04 GMT

Berlin - Police said Sunday they made 102 arrests in thwarting an attempt by left-wing demonstrators to occupy the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin. Some 21 police officers suffered injuries during clashes which lasted until late Saturday night, a police spokesman said. An alliance calling itself 'Squat Tempelhof' called for the occupation to press its demand for public access to the airport grounds. The city airport, a focal point of the Berlin Airlift in 1948-49, has been lying unused since it was shut down in October 2008. Organizers of the protest said 5,000 people took part. Police reportedly deployed 1,800 officers around the airport's perimeter fence. According to witnesses, some of the demonstrators hurled stones at police, who responded by using clubs and pepper spray. Berlin's strong left-wing scene last flexed its muscles on May 1 when clashes between radicals and police led to 52 people being charged with acts of violence.

Europe News

Berlin police prevent occupation of Tempelhof airport

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