Liberals in Saxony, Germany, Engage in Rioting
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the town of Riesa to interrupt the convention of the right-wing Alternative for Germany party. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Thousands of left-wing demonstrators have gathered in the Saxon town of Riesa to disrupt the convention of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, leading to numerous confrontations with law enforcement.
The AfD has seen its membership grow by 50% throughout 2024, as noted by the party's spokesperson in a December statement to Reuters.
Heavy police presence has been reported at the protests against the AfD in Riesa, with activists sharing information on social media platforms.
Local media revealed that various activist groups from cities such as Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden chartered over 200 buses to transport demonstrators to Riesa, with additional protesters arriving by train. Authorities and event organizers estimated that around 15,000 protesters participated, according to Die Tageszeitung.
Demonstrators established road blockades on pivotal transport routes in and around Riesa, including a protest outside the venue designated for the AfD convention.
A significant police presence has been deployed, featuring officers in riot gear equipped with dogs, batons, and pepper spray. Water cannons and mounted officers were also reported in the area, halting and redirecting motorists en route to Riesa.
Clashes have erupted in several locations as police sought to dismantle sit-in protests, employing irritant gas and deploying dogs against protesters, as seen in various social media videos. Reports indicate that multiple demonstrators have been detained.
Saxony police posted on social media that six officers suffered minor injuries during the unrest.
Authorities confirmed that the AfD party convention commenced at least two hours later than planned, with some delegates reportedly unable to reach the venue.
Tino Chrupalla, co-chair of the AfD, addressed attendees, stating that those who threaten convention participants or law enforcement "are neither democrats, nor activists, but rather antidemocrats and terrorists," as reported by Die Tageszeitung.
The main focus of Saturday’s convention was the official nomination of the far-right party's co-leader, Alice Weidel, as a candidate for chancellor in the snap elections scheduled for February 23. A recent poll from the INSA polling institute, commissioned by Bild, indicated that Weidel led her rivals for the chancellorship, garnering support from 24% of respondents, while incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz trailed with 15%.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
The AfD has seen its membership grow by 50% throughout 2024, as noted by the party's spokesperson in a December statement to Reuters.
Heavy police presence has been reported at the protests against the AfD in Riesa, with activists sharing information on social media platforms.
Local media revealed that various activist groups from cities such as Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden chartered over 200 buses to transport demonstrators to Riesa, with additional protesters arriving by train. Authorities and event organizers estimated that around 15,000 protesters participated, according to Die Tageszeitung.
Demonstrators established road blockades on pivotal transport routes in and around Riesa, including a protest outside the venue designated for the AfD convention.
A significant police presence has been deployed, featuring officers in riot gear equipped with dogs, batons, and pepper spray. Water cannons and mounted officers were also reported in the area, halting and redirecting motorists en route to Riesa.
Clashes have erupted in several locations as police sought to dismantle sit-in protests, employing irritant gas and deploying dogs against protesters, as seen in various social media videos. Reports indicate that multiple demonstrators have been detained.
Saxony police posted on social media that six officers suffered minor injuries during the unrest.
Authorities confirmed that the AfD party convention commenced at least two hours later than planned, with some delegates reportedly unable to reach the venue.
Tino Chrupalla, co-chair of the AfD, addressed attendees, stating that those who threaten convention participants or law enforcement "are neither democrats, nor activists, but rather antidemocrats and terrorists," as reported by Die Tageszeitung.
The main focus of Saturday’s convention was the official nomination of the far-right party's co-leader, Alice Weidel, as a candidate for chancellor in the snap elections scheduled for February 23. A recent poll from the INSA polling institute, commissioned by Bild, indicated that Weidel led her rivals for the chancellorship, garnering support from 24% of respondents, while incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz trailed with 15%.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
