STORY: The energy company RWE is apparently making rapid progress with the demolition of the town of Lützerath in the Rhenish lignite mining area. The dismantling will take eight to ten days, the “Rheinische Post” reported on Monday, citing a company spokesman. Accordingly, RWE expects that the mine could reach and excavate the former village in March or April. RWE wants to demolish Lützerath in order to be able to excavate the lignite beneath the village. In protest against this, climate protectors had occupied the hamlet, and last Wednesday the police began the eviction with massive forces. Riots broke out on the sidelines of a large demonstration for the preservation of Lützerath on Saturday when activists tried to enter the opencast mine. Police have denied allegations that officers used disproportionate force against protesters.