Gigantic protests in Riesa: thousands mobilized against the AfD party conference!

Gigantic protests in Riesa: thousands mobilized against the AfD party conference!

In Riesa today thousands of people demonstrated against the federal party conference of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The protesters arrived early in the morning by buses and trains to block important access roads. The mood of the demonstrators was sometimes heated, which was reflected in numerous sit-ins. The party conference itself began two hours late, although it was originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m. While some AfD members traveled without any problems, others faced traffic jams due to the blockades.

The party leader Alice Weidel was also affected; her car was stopped by protesters. Around 600 delegates who wanted to approve the AfD election program and elect Weidel as candidate for chancellor were there.

Police and protests

The police responded to the situation by attempting to clear the sit-ins, including at an intersection leading to the B169 on-ramp. Pepper spray was used to allow police cars to drive out. Demonstrators also unscrewed the tire valves of police cars and smeared them with anti-police slogans. The street remained closed until midday and the protesters set up pyrotechnics. In the morning hours the situation was described as “dynamic”, although some demonstrators were pushed back.

In the morning the situation eased, but overall it remained calm. The square in front of the conference hall filled with participants taking part in a central counter-rally. Despite the sub-zero temperatures and wintry weather, chants rang out and live music played. Banners and signs were numerous. The organizers spoke of around 12,000 demonstrators, while the police reported around 10,000 throughout the city.

A large police force was on site, supported by emergency services from several federal states. The organizers criticized the repressive actions of the police against the registered demonstrations. A police spokesman emphasized the need to guarantee both the right to freedom of assembly and the right to hold the event. Similar incidents were also reported by Mirror reported.

– Submitted by West-East media