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 police estimates, around 2,000 people demonstrated against the AfD in Jena and prevented an appearance by state leader Björn Höcke. The police also used pepper spray and batons to break up sit-ins, a police spokesman said.
According to the organizers, there were injuries. “Police measures such as the use of pepper spray and batons as well as punches to the face resulted in injuries,” said the “Stop the Shift to the Right” alliance. According to a spokesman, the police were initially not aware of any reports of injuries.
Björn Höcke did not even arrive
According to the police, Höcke’s appearance was cancelled at short notice after consultation with personal security “due to the large number of people and the confusing situation on site”. Twelve criminal offenses and one administrative offense have been recorded so far, it was said. There were no arrests. Whether there will be further criminal charges in connection with the demonstration will become clear during the follow-up to the operation in the next few days, said the police spokesman.
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.
Note: This message has been updated with additional information.
Source: Stern
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