Hundreds demonstrate against Tesla boss Musk in Berlin

Hundreds of people protested against US billionaire Elon Musk in front of a Tesla showroom in Berlin on Saturday, reported dpa.

Police said there were about 250 participants, while the organizers said there were several hundred. The rally in Berlin was called by an umbrella protest group including Campact, Fridays for Future and the Turn Off the Tap on Tesla alliance.

The organizers said the aim of the demonstration was to amplify the movement against US government adviser Musk and his company Tesla in Germany.

"Elon Musk must no longer be allowed to undermine democratic structures unhindered," said Caro Weber from Turn Off the Tap on Tesla.

Berlin police said they had taken action against one protester who was holding a banner with photos of Musk performing a gesture similar to the Nazi salute.

A spokesman said the police were investigating whether the display of the image constituted a criminal offence.

Criticism of the Tesla boss has increased significantly since he began working as an adviser to US President Donald Trump.

Musk has been tasked by Trump with reducing government spending and has made drastic cuts without holding a political mandate.

Protests against Musk have been held in several countries under the hashtag #TeslaTakedown, with calls for boycotts and repeated actions at Tesla locations.

The protesters in Berlin spoke of an attack by Musk on democracy.