Khaberni - The "Vedersitsen" (Resistance) alliance in Germany accused Giessen police of using excessive violence against demonstrators protesting the reestablishment of a youth organization affiliated with the far-right "Alternative for Germany" party.
The alliance spokesperson, Laura Wolf, stated that Giessen state Interior Minister Roman Bozik had previously emphasized that "violence is not a legitimate means in democracy," but, in her words, he allowed police to "clear the way for fascists with batons." Minister Bozik had criticized "violent acts" by some protesters during the protests.
The alliance clarified that it does not yet have official figures on injuries or the number of detainees, but expects greater participation in protests during upcoming events for the Alternative party, committing to "prolonging delay periods" to disrupt the party's activities.
Meanwhile, attorney Yannick Reinoff, representing some detained protesters, said the constitutional right to freedom of assembly was not respected, adding that the police "charged at the protesters and beat them," describing it as a "clear breach of the law."
In the same context, Soray Melitafi from the alliance accused Giessen city and the police of "creating a pre-existing climate of fear," explaining that the protesters were subjected to "arbitrary violence," while the Alternative party was treated "gently," according to him. He emphasized that the wide public participation reflected a "clear rejection" of establishing a far-right youth organization in the city.
Yesterday, Giessen witnessed a massive demonstration involving more than 25,000 people, according to the police, protesting against the launch of the new youth organization "Generation Germany" affiliated with the Alternative party. Although the protests were mostly peaceful, they witnessed sporadic clashes with the police.
Giessen's Interior Minister described the security operation as "successful," but noted that the potential for violence was very high, warning that riots "harm democracy and ultimately serve the Alternative party itself."
