Controversy Erupts as Musk's Image Linked to Nazi Salute Projected at Tesla Factory in Berlin

DEGermany|

An activist group projected an image of Elon Musk appearing to perform a Nazi-style salute outside Tesla's Gigafactory in Grunheide, near Berlin, on Wednesday night. The projection displayed the word “Heil” alongside Musk's raised-arm gesture, which had previously drawn comparisons to the infamous Nazi salute during a public appearance.

The protest was organized by the German group Center for Political Beauty and British activists known as Led by Donkeys. They shared visuals of the incident online as part of a campaign against what they term Musk's far-right affiliations, particularly his support for Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD, characterized as anti-immigration, is currently polling second ahead of Germany's elections set for February 23.

Musk has dismissed the comparisons to the Nazi salute as "dirty tricks" and "propaganda." He has faced criticism in Germany for his controversial remarks and interactions with AfD leaders on social media. Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to the incident, emphasizing Germany's commitment to free speech while condemning support for extreme-right ideologies.

The incident highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding political expression in Germany, a nation sensitive to its historical context. Environmental activists have previously targeted the Tesla plant, illustrating the complex landscape of protests facing the factory.

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