Germany: Far-right demonstrations staged in Chemnitz August 26-27

Event

Far-right activists have staged demonstrations in Chemnitz (Saxony state) on Sunday, August 26, and Monday, August 27, demanding that immigrants leave the city. The protests come after one person was stabbed to death and two others were wounded in a fight in Chemnitz on Sunday morning (local time); two men of Iraqi and Syrian origin are under investigation for the stabbing death of the individual. Clashes reportedly broke out between far-right demonstrators and police on Sunday during a protest which attracted some 800 participants.

A related demonstration was slated for 18:30 on Monday in Chemnitz; left-wing activists have also reportedly organized counterprotests in the city on Monday evening. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near these and other related protests. Additional demonstrations are possible in Chemnitz and elsewhere in Germany in the coming days.

Context

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party called for a "spontaneous demonstration" in Chemnitz on Sunday; around 100 people showed up to protest but dispersed before a larger crowd of 800 people protested the alleged killing by Syrian and Iraqi immigrants. AfD has called for multiple demonstrations across Germany in recent weeks and months, including in Dresden and Berlin, with some prompting counterprotests.

Advice

Individuals in Chemnitz 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.