A massive demonstration against the formation of a new youth wing of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) drew an estimated 25,000 participants in Gießen on Saturday, escalating into clashes between protesters and police. While authorities characterized the bulk of the gatherings as “largely peaceful” reports indicate significant disruptions and outbreaks of violence throughout the day.
Disruptions began early, with initial blockades erected at approximately 6:30 AM, impacting major roadways and autobahns surrounding the city. Around 8:00 AM, a splinter group of roughly 500 protestors abandoned pre-arranged demonstrations to occupy the Konrad-Adenauer Bridge, significantly impeding traffic flow. Police reported numerous instances of officers being targeted with projectiles, including stones, bottles and pyrotechnics, necessitating the use of pepper spray and batons to maintain order.
The disruption intensified around 8:30 AM when roughly 2,000 protestors blocked the B 49 near Bergwerkswald. Police responded by deploying water cannons to disperse the crowd, a tactic repeated later in the day as protestors attempted to breach police barricades in multiple locations. These unauthorized attempts included incidents near the Westufer, beneath the Konrad-Adenauer Bridge and Schlachthofstrasse, where individuals attempted to force their way towards the Messehalle.
Beyond the officially sanctioned protests, damage to vehicles occurred in Lahnau-Atzbach, triggering investigations and the initiation of criminal proceedings. Significantly, a separate criminal investigation was launched following an assault on a Member of the German Bundestag affiliated with the AfD. The politician sustained injuries in the attack and a suspect was immediately detained, with investigations ongoing to determine the motive.
The use of water cannons and the deployment of riot control measures have sparked debate regarding the proportionality of the police response, particularly given the scale of the protest and the reported injuries to both protestors and law enforcement personnel. While police maintain they acted to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation, critics argue the forceful response contributed to the atmosphere of unrest. Ten police officers sustained minor injuries during the day’s events, while confirmed reports regarding potential injuries to protestors remain unverified. The incident underscores growing tensions surrounding the escalating influence of the AfD and the diverse strategies employed to oppose its agenda.