Overview

• Eritreans opposed to their country's autocratic leader clashed with police at an Eritrean cultural festival in Germany, throwing projectiles and igniting smoke bombs.
• The event had been banned by authorities due to previous incidents of violence but a court overturned the ban.
• Roughly 1,000 police officers, a water cannon, and helicopters were deployed to control the crowds.
• Pepper spray and batons were used against demonstrators, causing traffic problems and damage.
• The festival organizers are believed to be supporters of Eritrea's repressive regime, leading to unrest at previous events.