Hundreds briefly detained as police, protesters clash in Stuttgart
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Police forces arrest a protester during a demonstration against the AfD party conference in Stuttgart, Germany
Hundreds of left-wing activists have been arrested during a protest against an annual conference held by the far-right anti-refugee Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party in the southern city of Stuttgart.
Stuttgart police said on Twitter that over 500 protesters were briefly taken into custody after clashes erupted during the demonstration, but they were later released “in small groups.”
The arrests were made on Saturday outside the ICS International Congress Center where the AfD event was being held.
The scuffles broke out after riot police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon to disperse the demonstrators as they attempted to disrupt the AfD conference.
Many protesters chanted slogans in support of refugees, with one banner reading, “Human rights, not right-wing humans.”
They also shouted “Nazis out,” “Bye, bye AfD,” “No to AfD,” and “No rights for Nazi propaganda.”
The demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires and threw firecrackers.
Police spokesman Lambert Maute said that two policemen were slightly wounded, but no protesters sustained injuries in the clashes.
During Saturday’s conference, AfD members discussed a new anti-Islam manifesto, including a ban on minarets on mosques, the call to prayer and full-face veils for women.
EA
