Giessen braces for tense AfD protests under heavy police watch

A city on edge as rival demonstrations clash over AfD’s rally. Will the constitutional line between protest and disruption hold?

, and Administrator

2025 November 29 . 9:11 AM

1 min read

In this image there are people protesting on a road holding posters in their hands, in the... — In this image there are people protesting on a road holding posters in their hands, in the background there are buildings, trees, light poles and the sky.

Giessen braces for tense AfD protests under heavy police watch

A major police operation is set to unfold in Giessen this weekend as protests and counter-protests take place. The demonstrations centre around an AfD event, with counter-protests organised by the alliance Widersetzen. Authorities have stressed that while opposition to the event is lawful, strict legal boundaries must be observed.

Interior Minister Roman Poseck addressed the upcoming weekend, calling on all participants to act within the law. He reminded protesters to treat police officers with respect and avoid any form of violence. The Federal Constitutional Court reinforced these rules in an October 1 ruling, clarifying that counter-demonstrations cannot block the AfD event from proceeding.

The weekend’s protests will test the balance between free expression and public order. Police presence will be heavy, with officers enforcing constitutional limits on demonstrations. Participants have been clearly instructed to avoid violence and comply with legal restrictions.