An event held by the German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Giessen drew tens of thousands of protesters on Nov. 29. The meeting, to inaugurate the party’s youth organization, Generation Germany, began late after protesters blocked roadways and entrances, delaying the arrival of participants and necessitating a large police presence.
There were 25,000 protesters and 5,000 police officers, AP reports.
AfD party leader Alice Weidel claimed the disruptions were undemocratic and said one party lawmaker had been attacked, a claim that police confirmed. “What is being done out there—dear left-wingers, dear extremists, you need to look at yourselves—is something that is deeply undemocratic,” she said.
