Tens of thousands on the streets in Essen against the AfD
Thousands protested against the AfD party in Essen during their conference. NRW Governor Wust thanked the protesters and police for their efforts. "The many thousands of demonstrators in Essen show: There is no place for hate, prejudice, and right-wing extremism in North Rhine-Westphalia," said CDU politician Wust on the sidelines of the lift. "It is a strong sign of civil society for our democracy that so many people take to the streets against anti-democrats."
Clarification: Violence will not be tolerated. "Everyone can argue passionately about the issue as they wish - but violence should never be a means of expression," Wust made clear. Peaceful protesters displayed the sign "Heart instead of Hate, Respect instead of Racism."
According to police reports, eleven officers were injured during the violent protests in the morning. In the Rüttenscheid district, it was reported that people had attacked police forces and attempted to break through barriers. "There were some acts of resistance and physical attacks on police officers," the police reported. The police used pepper spray, batons, and "immediate force," as they announced. Earlier reports indicated that several people were arrested.
According to the organizers, 50,000 people were gathering for a rally in front of the Grugahalle in Essen, where the AfD federal party conference was taking place. This demonstration remained peaceful, according to police reports. The AfD conference lasts until Sunday.
The protest against the AfD party in Essen, despite some instances of violence earlier in the day, largely remained peaceful, attracting approximately 50,000 people. Despite the AfD conference continuing in Essen until Sunday, demonstrations against their views on politics and societal issues are expected to persist in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia.
