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Berlin Protesters Torch Luxury Cars

Sardonically named 'BMW' claims responsibility for arsons

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2009 3:13 PM CST
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(Newser) – As the financial crisis inflames class tensions, economic protest in Berlin has taken the form of arson attacks on luxury cars, Bloomberg reports. Activists have torched more than 2 dozen vehicles this year, and the pace is increasing. A group puckishly calling itself “BMW”—an acronym for "Movement for Militant Resistance" in German—has claimed responsibility for many of the attacks, Berlin police said.

Most of the arsons have taken place in gentrifying neighborhoods where new housing developments—with higher rents—are pushing out a squatter youth culture and attracting middle-class residents. The car attacks mean “rich people, don’t move in here—your cars will be trashed, we don’t want you here,” said a sociologist.

This photo released by Audi shows the 2009 A4.
This photo released by Audi shows the 2009 A4.   (AP Photo/Audi)
Frost thaws on newly built Mini cars outside the Mini Plant Oxford as a skeleton staff prepare the factory for a extended closure on December 7 2008 in Oxford, England.
Frost thaws on newly built Mini cars outside the Mini Plant Oxford as a skeleton staff prepare the factory for a extended closure on December 7 2008 in Oxford, England.   (Getty Images)
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World • Money

 
Germany • Berlin • arson • recess • class divide • arsonist • cars • recession depression

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