A massive protest in Giessen, Germany, disrupted the AfD youth conference, leading to violent clashes, injuries, and widespread condemnation.

A large protest in Giessen, Germany, disrupted the launch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) youth conference, with between 20,000 and 30,000 demonstrators, including Antifa-linked activists, clashing with police. Protesters threw rocks, bottles, and flares, prompting police to use water cannons and batons, while AfD MP Julian Schmidt was assaulted, suffering a broken nose. The event, which drew 6,000 officers—the largest deployment in Hesse’s history—followed the 2023 ban of the AfD’s previous youth wing. AfD leaders and federal officials condemned the violence, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt calling it unjustifiable. The incident has intensified debate over far-left activism, civil liberties, and political violence, with the U.S. Trump administration labeling Antifa cells as foreign terrorist organizations.