Germany: Rival far-right and anti-fascist demonstrations in Köthen Sep. 9

Event

Far-right and anti-fascist protesters demonstrated in Köthen (Saxony-Anhalt state) on the evening (local time) of Sunday, September 9, after a German man died following an alleged street fight with Afghan migrants. The migrants were detained on suspicion of homicide after the brawl; however, a subsequent examination revealed that the German man died from a heart issue, unrelated to head injuries suffered during the fight. A heightened security presence was deployed to the area to avert a potential outbreak of clashes between the rival demonstrators.

Related far-right, anti-immigration protests and anti-fascist counterprotests are possible in Köthen over the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near protest sites. Clashes between rival protesters, as well as between demonstrators and security forces, cannot be ruled out.

Context

The incident comes two weeks after a similar event in Chemnitz (Saxony state), where a German man was fatally stabbed on August 26 and two men of Iraqi and Syrian origin were subsequently arrested for his death. Multiple demonstrations were held by far-right groups in late August and early September and numerous clashes between far-right protesters and counterprotesters have taken place since then.

Advice

Individuals in Köthen are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.