AfD party conference - 28 police officers injured at anti-AfD protests in Essen
During the protests against the AfD party convention in Essen over the weekend, a total of 28 police officers were injured, one severely. The man has left the hospital but will not be fit for duty for several weeks, Essen Police announced on Monday. The police are searching for a suspect who is alleged to have struck a police officer in the head while he was on the ground.
Demonstrators were also injured, according to reports from dpa reporters, including through pepper spray. The number of injured demonstrators was still unclear on Monday. Several activist representatives accused the police of harsh tactics over the weekend.
Overall positive balance of the police
Overall, the police drew a positive balance: The concept of operation had proven successful. In total, there were 34 assemblies with several tens of thousands of participants, and it had been "predominantly peaceful," according to a statement. 143 criminal complaints were filed - most for resistance and physical attacks on police officers.
According to the statement, 22 demonstrators were taken into custody, and 2 were temporarily detained. All are reportedly now back in freedom, the statement added.
Thousands of activists attempted to hinder the delegates from reaching the convention venue, Grugahalle, on Saturday morning through street blockades. The officers used batons and pepper spray multiple times. A "robust" approach was necessary to ensure public safety and order, the police stated.
- The AfD party conference in North Rhine-Westphalia faced protests over the weekend, leading to injuries for both police officers and demonstrators.
- Despite the incidents, the police in Essen considered their strategy at the AfD party conference successful, citing a predominantly peaceful demonstration.
- The AfD party conference in Essen was met with demonstrations, resulting in clashes between activists and the police, resulting in 28 injured police officers, including one severely.
- In the wake of the AfD party conference protests in Essen, several parties have expressed concerns over the use of force by the police, with accusations of harsh tactics.
