Two police officers seriously injured in disturbance

AfD party conference - Two police officers seriously injured in disturbance

At an action against the AfD federal party conference in Essen, two police officers were severely injured. Unknown perpetrators struck the two riot policemen in the head on Saturday, as the police guided a politician through a group of disturbances, according to investigators. The officers were reportedly kicked while they were lying on the ground. They were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Seven other officers were lightly injured in the incident near the Grugahalle, where the AfD is holding their party conference. The perpetrators were able to disappear into the crowd undetected. The police are examining video recordings to identify them.

Activists attempted to hinder the delegates' arrival to the party conference with street blockades on Saturday morning. There were frequent altercations with the police. Later, a peaceful protest against the party dominated: Tens of thousands participated in a large demonstration through the city.

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser condemned violent actions on the platform X. "Strong democratic forces and peaceful protest are needed against right-wing extremism and racism. Violence is not justifiable," wrote the SPD politician. "My thanks and respect go to the police, who are taking action against left-wing chaos. I wish the injured officers a speedy recovery."

Press release of the police Nancy Faeser on X

1. The disruptive action at the AfD party conference in North Rhine-Westphalia's Essen led to severe injuries for two police officers during a demonstration.
2. Despite the violent protests and demonstrations, a large peaceful protest against the AfD party conference attracted tens of thousands of participants in Essen.
3. Following the disruptive action at the AfD party conference in North Rhine-Westphalia, the AfD party conference in Germany continued with frequent altercations between activists and police.
4. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser spoke out against the violent actions and hailed the police for taking action against left-wing chaos at the AfD party conference in North Rhine-Westphalia.

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