Erfurt AfD Congress Journalist Attacks

During the AfD federal party congress in Erfurt on 4‑5 July 2026, three reporters from Apollo News were violently attacked by demonstrators associated with the anti‑AfD coalition “Widersetzen”. The journalists were chased, beaten and kicked, with one receiving a head injury that required hospital treatment. Police recorded 65 offences, used pepper spray and other force, but reported no water‑cannon deployment. Critics accused the police of excessive force, while the protest group later blamed the reporters, calling them “fascists with press passes” despite earlier statements that press was welcome. The Erfurt Kaufmannskirche, which hosted a training session for the protestors, issued a statement distancing itself from the event and condemning the unauthorised use of its premises. Police have opened investigations for dangerous bodily injury, and the incident has sparked a debate over press freedom and police conduct at political demonstrations.