Rev. Jörg Alt, a Jesuit priest, has begun a 25-day prison sentence rather than pay a 500-euro fine for his role in a climate protest in Nuremberg, Germany. He stated that at 63, he is unable to pay the fine without risking his order's integrity. The protest involved blocking traffic to raise awareness about climate change, a cause he deeply supports. His conviction reflects a growing trend of climate activism facing legal repercussions, as responses from the public and politicians vary widely. Alt's stance emphasizes the desperate measures some activists take in the face of environmental issues.
Today, I am starting my 25-day alternative custodial sentence in Nuremberg prison. I don't like doing this, especially as my health is no longer the best at the age of 63. But I see no alternative, because it's the last form of protest I have left in this specific case to draw attention to important issues such as climate change.
As a priest, I have no income and no bank account due to my vow of poverty and that I do not want to harm the order and my fellow brothers by paying my fine.
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