Riesa – Protest against the AFD party conference

Riesa – It is early in the morning when the first demonstrators gather at Leipzig Central Station. The regional train to Riesa is packed, no space remains unused. Despite the early hour, the atmosphere is relaxed and the mostly young people seem surprisingly well-rested and in a good mood. They all have one goal: to protest against the AfD’s national party conference in the Saxon city.

Arriving in Riesa, the demonstrators are greeted by a massive police presence. The station forecourt is densely packed with police officers, some of them with sharp dogs, apparently intended to help intimidate. Nevertheless, the demonstration march sets off almost punctually. The route is lined with police officers who control the protest with a massive presence.

The first serious obstruction occurs at an intersection: the police separate the procession, loudspeaker vans are diverted, while the running demonstrators are led across a narrow pedestrian bridge. Shortly afterwards, the path is blocked. Police vans block the road, in front of them are police officers in full riot gear, behind them a water cannon is positioned menacingly. The demonstration is held up for hours. The reason given by an official is that they are still waiting for latecomers from the station. However, it is reasonable to assume that the aim is to prevent the protesters from getting to the rally in front of the AfD’s event hall in time.

After a long back and forth, at least members of the press are finally allowed through the barrier. I myself take the opportunity to go to the main rally, where a large crowd has already gathered. The mood is determined but peaceful.

Just a few minutes’ walk away, at an important intersection, apparently a central access route for AfD members, demonstrators sit down on the road to block access. The police respond promptly – and with force. Batons and pepper spray are used against those sitting peacefully. I can observe and document what is happening at close quarters. Scenes that raise questions, not only about the strategy of the operational command, but also about the proportionality of the police measures.

Throughout the day there are blockades in Riesa and the surrounding area, some of which are cleared by officers using excessive force.