Thuringian Police Investigate 74 Offenses After AfD Party Congress in Erfurt

Erfurt, Germany – Thuringian police are investigating 74 criminal offenses and 13 administrative offenses stemming from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) federal party congress held in Erfurt. The investigations target 35 individuals, adding to the 82 offenses and violations recorded before the event even began.

During the congress, which took place over a weekend in July, approximately 31,000 demonstrators gathered in the city. While the majority protested peacefully, isolated incidents of violence occurred. Police reported that three reporters from the right-wing conservative portal Apollo News were physically assaulted. Investigations are underway against two unknown individuals and one known person for insult and dangerous bodily harm in connection with these assaults.

Additionally, a representative from the newspaper Junge Freiheit, which is ideologically aligned with the AfD, was robbed. Police have identified a suspect in this case and are investigating three individuals in total related to this incident.

The AfD has been classified as a suspected right-wing extremist organization by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, adding a layer of scrutiny to events involving the party. The police presence in Erfurt was substantial throughout the congress to manage the large number of demonstrators and maintain order.