The fate of a small village has sparked heated debate in Germany about the continued use of coal in the country and whether tackling climate change justifies breaking the law.
The fate of a small village has sparked heated debate in Germany about the continued use of coal in the country and whether tackling climate change justifies breaking the law.
Environmental activists have been confronted with police who began evacuations on Wednesday in the village of Luetzerath, west of Cologne, which is due to be bulldozed to expand a nearby lignite mine.
Some rocks and fireworks were thrown at officers in riot gear as they stormed the village, removing roadblocks and removing protesters.
The activists refused to obey a court order on Monday that effectively barred them from entering the area.