Germany: Prosecutors open terror probe into Berlin blackout citing sabotage, arson as possible crimes in suspected far-left attack on power supply

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/6541193

German federal prosecutors on Tuesday said they had launched a terrorism investigation into an arson attack on high-voltage cables that triggered a power blackout affecting about 45,000 households in Berlin.

Prosecutors said they were probing Saturday's attack on suspicion of "membership in a terrorist organization, sabotage, arson and disruption of public services."

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The attack was claimed online by a far-left extremist group calling itself Vulkangruppe, or Volcano Group.

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Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack, saying "suspected left-wing extremists knowingly put lives at risk, especially those of patients in hospitals, as well as the elderly, children and families."

As of Tuesday, about 24,700 households and 1,120 businesses were still without power.

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Berlin emergency services, supported by the army and charity groups, initially scrambled to help those affected to warm accommodation, including care home residents. Hotels, schools and sports centers were also used to supply shelter.

Emergency measures remain in place, with the German military providing logistic help and fueling emergency generators. Public swimming pools have been opened around the clock to allow residents to shower and warm up. About 20 schools remain closed, and public transport buses have been deployed as temporary warming shelters.

The Bundestag's interior committee is set to receive a briefing on the attack later this week, as authorities continue to rule out foreign involvement and focus their investigation on domestic left-wing extremism.

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