Election campaign marred by vandalism, assault on volunteer in Berlin

Berlin police are investigating a series of incidents targeting election campaign activities just six weeks before the city's elections on September 20. The incidents include vandalism of election posters and an assault on a campaign volunteer.

In one case, police arrested a 27-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man for allegedly removing, pulling down, and smearing election posters belonging to various parties in Schöneberg. The state security service, which handles politically motivated crimes, has taken over the investigation.

Separately, police reported an attack on a 47-year-old campaign volunteer for the AfD party in Berlin-Adlershof. The volunteer was allegedly hit from behind by a cyclist while hanging posters. He fell and sustained injuries to his shoulder, hip, and ankle. The cyclist reportedly fled the scene.

Parties have been allowed to hang posters for the House of Representatives and district assembly elections since the previous Sunday. Vandalism and attacks on campaign helpers have been recurring issues during election periods in the past.