Germany: Police clash with protesters ahead of AfD congress

Some demonstrators protesting a congress by the far-right AfD party in the city of Essen have clashed with police. Around 100,000 protesters are expected in the western city, with violence feared from leftist extremists.

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to demonstrate against the far-right party

Police on Saturday used pepper spray and batons to stop a large group of protesters breaking through a cordon in the western German city of Essen, where a two-day congress by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is due to get underway.

It was not immediately clear if demonstrators were injured in the incident, which occurred at around 5:45 am (0345 GMT).

In all, some 100,000 protesters are expected to take part in demonstrations in Essen against the party, which has been gaining support particularly in the country's former communist east.

Around 600 AfD delegates are to meet in an indoor arena, with party co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla seeking reelection ahead of German parliamentary elections in the autumn of next year.

More to follow.

tj/kb (AFP, dpa)

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