The mood is heated ahead of the election in Thuringia. In Jena, protesters staged sit-ins against an AfD event. State leader Björn Höcke was invited there.
According to initial estimates by the police in Jena, around 2,000 people demonstrated against the AfD and prevented an appearance by state leader Björn Höcke. The police also used pepper spray and batons to break up sit-ins, said a police spokesman. He initially knew of no injuries.
Björn Höcke did not even arrive
Originally, it was planned that Höcke would appear at a public meeting in a district center. For security reasons, Höcke’s appearance was canceled – after consultation with personal security, said the police spokesman. Höcke ultimately did not travel and the AfD event was then canceled. According to the police, the counter-demonstrations had been registered – but fewer people were originally expected.
With 1000 supporters to the police station: Björn Höcke threatens police
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A new state parliament will be elected in Thuringia on September 1st. The AfD is at around 30 percent in recent polls and could therefore become the strongest force. The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies the AfD in Thuringia as definitely right-wing extremist.
Source: Stern
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