Two police officers suffered serious head injuries as they escorted a politician through a crowd of activists protesting a congress of the far-right Alternative for Germany party 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 hospital. Seven other officers were less seriously injured. The attackers were able to escape into the crowd.
There were clashes between activists and police throughout the day.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the attacks. “We need strong democratic forces and peaceful protest against right-wing extremism and racism. Violence cannot be justified,” she wrote on X.
She expressed her gratitude and respect to the police and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.
