Germany sees mass protests against far-right AfD party Over Extremist Label

Thousands of people across Germany took to the streets on May 11 in protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, as it continues to appeal a decision by the country’s domestic intelligence service to label it as an "extremist" group.

Last week, Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) classified the AfD as a "right-wing extremist" organisation, accusing the party of attempting to undermine Germany’s democratic foundations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

However, the classification has been temporarily suspended as the AfD challenges the decision in court.

In response, demonstrations took place in 60 locations across the country, organised by the "Together against the Right" group. In Berlin, approximately 3,000 people gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate, according to police, while organisers reported a higher turnout of around 7,000.

Protesters were vocal in their opposition, chanting "Together against fascism," and expressing their concerns about the AfD's growing influence in German politics. "AfD is not a normal party and should not be treated as such," the organisers stated on their website. "It is now time to seriously examine banning the party."

Despite this opposition, the AfD has gained significant traction in recent years, emerging as the second-largest party in February’s regional elections, just behind the conservatives led by newly appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The AfD maintains that the intelligence service's actions against it are politically motivated.

By Aghakazim Guliyev