AfD party conference - Protests against AfD mostly peaceful - but casualties
Several tens of thousands of people protested against the AfD in Essen over the weekend - mostly peacefully. The reason for the protests was a two-day federal party conference of the party, which is monitored by the Constitutional Protection Agency as a suspected right-wing extremist case.
The protests were overshadowed by clashes between police and violent demonstrators on Saturday. Twenty-eight police officers were injured, one of them severely. An unknown person had kicked him in the head while he was on the ground.
Demonstrators also suffered injuries, such as from pepper spray. The number of injured protesters was not initially known. Several activist representatives criticized the police for excessive use of force.
Several thousand activists had attempted to prevent delegates from reaching the event venue, Grugahalle, on Saturday morning by blocking the streets. There were frequent confrontations with the police. The officers used batons and pepper spray, for example, to prevent protesters from breaking through barriers. Some delegates were escorted to the Grugahalle under heavy police protection, surrounded by demonstrators. The conference began about half an hour later than planned. On Sunday, the delegates were able to reach the Grugahalle unhindered.
NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) condemned the violence against police officers. "These women and men stand for our democracy. They put their heads on the line for safety and order. They protect the freedoms and rights of all citizens," he stated. "What is spoken at the conference, I also condemn. But it should be allowed to take place. That is democracy," Reul told the German Press Agency.
The organizers of the blockade actions on Saturday morning reported a participation of 7000 people from 80 cities. "They have empowered themselves through solidarity with each other and with their determination and the legitimate protest form of civil disobedience shown that they will protect and defend our democracy," explained Katharina Schwabedissen from the "widersetzen" blockade action on Sunday. Schwabedissen lamented that there were still demonstrators in custody on Sunday.
An unusual incident occurred during the delegates' arrival on Saturday: AfD delegate Stefan Hrdy (67) bit a demonstrator in the leg during a scuffle - according to his own account in self-defense. It was initially unclear whether the bitten person had filed a complaint. The investigations were ongoing, the police announced. Hrdy also wanted to file a complaint.
According to the organizers of the "Gemeinsam Laut" demonstration on Saturday, around 50,000 people participated in a large demonstration march through the city. They demonstrated against intolerance and right-wing extremism. Many had made colorful posters. The march culminated in a rally with a subsequent music program on a large square near the Grugahalle. In total, the police counted 31 counter-demonstrations and events on Saturday.
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) welcomed the protests: "The many thousands of demonstrators in Essen show: There is no place for incitement, hate, and right-wing extremism in North Rhine-Westphalia," he said according to the State Chancellery. "It is a strong sign of civil society for our democracy that so many people are going out against the anti-democrats on the streets."
Out of concern for disturbing the party conference, the police were present with several thousand officers from various federal states throughout the weekend. Several water cannons were on standby. Left-wing extremists had previously threatened the AfD event with violent actions.
Three anti-AfD demonstrations were registered for Sunday, including a vigil in sight of the Grugahalle. Around 150 people gathered there in the morning. The organizer was the Essen Says No alliance.
Police news ticker
- The protests against the AfD party conference in Essen over the weekend primarily took place in Germany.
- Katharina Schwabedissen from the "widersetzen" blockade action criticized the use of excessive force by the police during the protests on Saturday.
- The AfD's federal party conference was held in Grugahalle and was attended by delegates who required heavy police protection due to protests.
- Herbert Reul, the Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia (CDU), defended the right of the AfD to hold their conference, while condemning any violence against police officers.
- Stephan Hrdy, an AfD delegate, was involved in a scuffle with a demonstrator on Saturday, leading to him biting the demonstrator in self-defense.
- According to the organizers of the "Gemeinsam Laut" demonstration, approximately 50,000 people participated in the march against intolerance and right-wing extremism in Essen.
- The violent demonstrators on Saturday resulted in 28 police officers being injured, with one being severely injured by a kick to the head while on the ground.
- The two-day federal party conference of the AfD in Essen was monitored by the Constitutional Protection Agency due to suspected right-wing extremist tendencies.
