Thuringian police anticipate a potential escalation of protests surrounding the AfD party conference in Erfurt. According to a confidential situation report cited by Spiegel, the police project a high level of abstract danger originating from the left-extremist scene early in July. While over 50,000 counter-demonstrators are expected, most of whom are predicted to remain peaceful, the internal document warns of the presence of 1,000 to 5,000 leftist extremists. Authorities expect a heightened security posture, given the substantially increased potential for violence and escalation. The police are preparing for mass blockade efforts, anticipating that 6,000 to 8,000 individuals might attempt to shut down the roads leading to the conference at the Erfurt Messe. Furthermore, the Thuringian State Criminal Police Office notes a potential of up to 2,500 “Red” category disruptors, who may arrive with a high predisposition for violence, with the goal of entirely preventing the AfD delegates from reaching the meeting hall.
Politics
