Germany: Clashes leave several wounded during Chemnitz protests August 27 /update 1

Event

Violent clashes between far-right protesters and anti-fascist counterprotesters left several people wounded in Chemnitz (Saxony state) on Monday, August 27, as thousands of far-right demonstrators staged anti-immigrant protests sparked by allegations that two men of Iraqi and Syrian origin stabbed a German man to death in the city in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 26 (local time). Over 1000 left-wing counterprotesters reportedly challenged the far-right protest on Monday evening amid a heightened security presence that aimed to keep the groups separated. Despite the robust police presence, rival demonstrators threw pyrotechnic and other objects at each other, requiring several people to seek medical treatment.

Additional related protests are possible in Chemnitz over the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near all demonstration sites. Similar clashes between protesters and counterprotesters, or between protesters and security forces, cannot be ruled out.

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 of a man by Syrian and Iraqi immigrants. Social media footage reportedly showed far-right protesters chasing and assaulting supposed immigrants, prompting widespread public condemnation.

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.