Serious riots broke out on Saturday at a controversial Eritrean cultural festival in the German state of Hesse. There was talk of “massive attacks” on security forces. 22 police officers were injured, a spokesman for the administration of the city of Gießen, where the event is taking place, said in the early afternoon. At least 60 people were arrested.
There were, among other things, attacks with stones, the Central Hessian police headquarters reports on Twitter. At the festival location, the Hessenhallen, the agents prevented groups of people from storming the grounds. There was also talk of smoke bombs and the throwing of bottles. Police used pepper spray and batons to disperse the attackers. Due to the dynamic situation, more police officers than the more than 1,000 officers already on duty were called to Gießen, said the police spokesman. This involves several hundred troops from all Hessian police headquarters. Speaker teams try to influence people who show up at barriers and may want to try to break them. A police helicopter and a drone were also deployed.
Videos on social media showed a wildly heated atmosphere and police intervention to disperse the angry crowd. It is not yet known if there are any injuries. However, the message about a deceased festival visitor haunted. Police said on Twitter: “We currently have no evidence of this. Our appeal to you not to spread such false messages.”
Proximity of the organizers to the government as a point of criticism
According to the police spokesperson, the festival is “a cultural event” that celebrates Eritrean culture and traditions. “It’s a peaceful and family event for everyone.” Last year there were riots at the festival with injuries. Opponents of the event see a problematic proximity to the government of Eritrea. It is also suspected that donations are being collected for the government. The organizers expected about 2,500 visitors on Saturday and Sunday. A city ban on the festival was overturned by the Giessen Administrative Court and this decision was upheld by the Hessian Administrative Court.
Drivers threatened at counter-demonstration
A demonstration against the festival started at noon in the center of Giessen, so far no incidents have been reported. Depending on the situation, the police blocked roads in different places in the city. According to the police, there was a dispute with a large number of participants at the Neustädter Tor. There were also threats to drivers. Objects were also thrown from a bridge and vehicles were damaged. Employees of a shop near the Hessenhallen also reported that windows had been smashed by passing cars. One of the workers said they were also concerned about their own safety. In the run-up to the festival, it was said in the German media that there were indications of a planned attack on the event.
Since Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia about 30 years ago, President Isayas Afewerki has ruled the country with an interim government. Afewerki has recently been criticized internationally for committing serious human rights violations in the Ethiopian civil war until November 2022, according to various UN reports, along with the Ethiopian central government. In addition, many civil liberties are largely restricted in the country.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
