With the recent closure of the German border the impact was not only felt by weary travelers but also the wildlife which depends on open borders. After a recent incident between a snail and the police at the German border, which ended in that snail being detained and brought into the French restaurant for questioning, renewed protests about police brutality and open borders sprung up all around.
A squirrel, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Gazette that they rely on open borders. “Half of my stockpile for the winter is in Germany, while I’m still here in Belgium.” wailed the distraught squirrel. They quickly added they would not be telling anyone where the nuts are hidden. Murmurs are they forgot the location in Belgium and are simply to proud to admit they are forgetful. Other protesters are seeing this as another atrocity against animals by humans.
The family of the missing snail still haven’t heard anything from them. The lawyer of the snail did not comment when we reached out to them. Some locals have anonymously disclosed that a seemingly large amount of salt has been delivered to the restaurant where the snail is being kept. It is unclear whether this is just a normal delivery or a sign that there will be a larger crackdown on the protests that sprung up. Yesterday a webcam stream pointed at the restaurant was taken down by the intelligence services.
When pressed for comment the police chief denied claims of illegal push-backs of snails at German borders but stated “if at all it would be a totally legal slide-back!” This slide-back terminology was recently confirmed as legal by a German court. The case is currently being heard by the supreme court. Advocates say they will fight this issue out up to the European Court of Justice if necessary. Legal experts in the field don’t agree with the ruling. Their outcries though were conveniently overheard.