Two police officers suffered serious head injuries while escorting a politician through a crowd of activists protesting a congress held by the far-right Alternative for Germany in the western city of Essen.
Unknown assailants kicked the officers in the head after forcing them to the ground, a police statement said. They were taken to the hospital. Seven other officers suffered less serious injuries. The attackers managed to escape through the crowd.
Activists and police clashed throughout the day.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the attacks. “We need strong democratic forces and peaceful protests against right-wing extremism and racism. Violence cannot be justified”, she published on X.
She expressed her gratitude and respect to the police and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.
