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Mass Protests Snarl AfD Youth Congress in Gießen as Police Deploy Water Cannon

Heavy police measures cleared road blockades to allow the delayed AfD youth congress in Gießen to proceed.

Overview

  • Delegates reached the venue in police‑escorted buses and the founding meeting began after a delay of more than two hours.
  • Police used a water cannon on the B49 to disperse an estimated 2,000‑person blockade after warnings, and reported bottles thrown at officers on the Konrad‑Adenauer Bridge.
  • About 10 people with minor injuries sought treatment at the local university clinic, according to DPA’s account of hospital statements.
  • At least one person was detained as police said they reinforced cordons and would document alleged offenses for prosecution.
  • Protest turnout was described as large‑scale, with organizers citing figures in the tens of thousands and the DGB reporting over 20,000 at a central rally, while some protesters used pyrotechnics and police reported signal flares aimed at officers.