Antifa activists erected barricades in Leipzig, Germany and clashed with officers outside police headquarters on Saturday. They are demanding the release of a young radical activist accused of attacking members of “the far right.”
The activists from Schwarzer Block (Black Bloc) and other left-wing groups carried lit flares as they marched to a police headquarters.
1539 #le1809#wirsindallelinx#freelina#antifaostpic.twitter.com/2aN80LuwbZ
The building was then pelted with firecrackers and paint bombs that left red stains on the walls, as well as with other objects. At least one window at the HQ was damaged, according to a Deutsche Presse-Agentur reporter.
17:57 #WirsindalleLinx Demo ist eine Weile in Connewitz angekommen. Kurz hinter dem Connewitzer Kreuz brennt eine große Barrikade auf der Straße. #le1809pic.twitter.com/QnQBxeVNOR
Police spokesperson Therese Leverenz told MDR Sachsen that bottles were also hurled at the officers.
Water cannon were used against the rioters and at least one suspect was detained, police said.
Eine der Barrikaden brennt seit Minuten. Polizei stellt sich auf, Zusammenstoß jederzeit realistisch.#le1809#Leipzigpic.twitter.com/86jCI8J2zO
A police helicopter was cruising over the city when protesters erected several barricades and set them on fire. The barricades were later dismantled by police.
Polizei hat eine Person festgenommen. Dabei mehrere Minuten auf die Person eingeschlagen. Hier ein erster Ausschnitt. #le1809pic.twitter.com/BcqUCoMp8I
Bild newspaper said protesters threw stones at the offices of Commerzbank and Deutsche Bundesbank, as well as at an apartment complex and a fast food restaurant.
Media reports said 5,000 people participated in the march, while police reported that 3,000 were involved in the procession.
Left-wing activists are demanding the release of a 26-year-old Leipzig student, known as Lina E., who, along with three other defendants stands trial in Dresden. The group is accused of attacking several people with ties to the right-wing scene between 2018 and 2020.
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