Police clash with protesters in Germany as far-right party launches youth wing

On November 29, Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) inaugurated its new youth organisation in the western city of Giessen, even as thousands of protesters gathered outside, with some clashing with police.

The party’s convention started over two hours late after demonstrators blocked roads in and around the city of roughly 93,000 residents, delaying the arrival of many delegates, AP reports.

Police said officers deployed pepper spray when stones were thrown and used water cannons to disperse a blockade of about 2,000 protesters who ignored warnings to leave. Another water cannon operation was carried out on November 29 afternoon when a group attempted to breach barriers near the convention center.

Authorities deployed up to 5,000 officers and estimated total demonstrators at more than 25,000, noting that much of the protests remained peaceful. Ten officers were reported slightly injured.

By Khagan Isayev