MEMBERS of the environmentalist group Greenpeace lowered a giant gas mask over the face of a Prussian era war memorial statue yesterday to dramatise Berlin's air pollution problems.
After scaling the 70 metre tall Victory Column, 12 Greenpeace activists hung the mask on the gilded Goddess Victoria. They also draped signs from the column read ing "Stop Ozone Smog" and "Asthma from Ozone Smog Merkel is responsible", (the German Environmental Minister, Ms Angela Merkel).
Police blocked off the entrance to the column, featured in Wim Wenders' film Wings of Desire.
Greenpeace staged the protest to drum up support for a proposed law mandating reduced carbon monoxide emissions.
Local newspapers reported on Monday that scientists had identified new holes in the ozone layer over Berlin.
. A Lebanese youth has been committed for trial accused of causing the fire in a Luebeck hostel for foreigners in which 10 people died and 38 were injured.
Mr Safwan Eid is charged with aggravated arson and negligence causing bodily injury in connection with the January 18th fire.