Environmental activists have demonstrated against US carmaker Tesla's factory expansion plans ahead of a vote by the local council in Grünheide near Berlin on the issue.
A number of demonstrators with placards arrived at the venue of the municipal council meeting on Thursday afternoon. Police were deployed and protected the meeting hall.
Several environmental alliances are calling on the municipal representatives in Grünheide to vote against the expansion plans of company boss Elon Musk. Otherwise, the activists announced further protests against the only Tesla factory in Europe.
The state premier of Brandenburg, where the factory is located, Dietmar Woidke, appealed to the demonstrators to remain peaceful.
Tesla wants to expand its site to build a goods station and storage areas - but this is controversial, including due to the need to clear forest and concerns about environmental risks.