The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party opened its convention today after winning good results in the recent European elections, while its opponents gathered to protest, some tried to block roads or clashed with the police.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 15,9 percent of the vote and came second in Germany in the European Parliament elections on June 9, despite a series of scandals and problems in recent months.
The party's particularly good results in the former communist East of Germany boosted its hopes of becoming the strongest party in the three federal state elections in those areas in September.
At their regular two-day convention in the western city of Essen, party co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Šrupala are expected to seek another term.
A large number of police officers were deployed in the city, and the city authorities tried to find a way to prevent the AfD convention, but this was challenged by the court.
Around 100.000 people are expected to gather for a series of counter-demonstrations over the weekend as well, the German news agency dpa reported.
On Friday night, around 5.000 people took part in a peaceful anti-AfD rave called "Bass Against Hate", police said.
Early this morning, a group of protesters tried to break through the barricade and were pushed back by police using pepper spray and batons.
There were incidents where masked protesters attacked police officers, police said, and several people were arrested.
Demonstrators also organized so-called sit-in protests on the streets and intersections, near the congress hall where the rally is being held.
Several AfD deputies said that the police escorted them from the hotel to the venue, while other delegates managed to arrive without problems, dpa reported.
Opening the rally, Videl told the delegates that what is happening in front of the building "has nothing to do with democracy" and stressed that "the AfD is here and will stay there."
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