In the midst of the AfD’s Congress in Essen, Western Germany, violent clashes erupted between protesters and police. The incident left two police officers seriously injured, with seven others sustaining minor injuries. Unknown assailants attacked the officers, kicking them in the head and continuing to beat them while they were on the ground. Despite efforts by the police to apprehend the perpetrators, they managed to escape.
Earlier that morning, 11 other policemen were also attacked by hooded protesters. The protests were organized by opponents of the far-right party outside of their meeting at Grugahalle. Despite predictable protests, most demonstrators marched peacefully with banners and placards.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of strong democratic forces and peaceful protests against right-wing extremism and racism in response to the violence. In last year’s European elections, the far-right party garnered around 16% of the votes, surpassing the SPD led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Over a thousand police officers were mobilized to manage these protests in Essen.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the far-right party and highlights the need for peaceful demonstrations and a rejection of violence.