BERLIN

Violence overshadowed the start of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress on Saturday in the western city of Essen. 

Video footages on the social media platform X showed how masked demonstrators clashed with baton-wielding riot police when a large group of people tried to overcome a police barrier.

It was not initially known whether there were any injuries among the demonstrators. Several ambulances were requested, an unnamed police spokesman told local media, adding that several people were also arrested.

In the area surrounding the venue location, AfD opponents occupied streets and intersections. Several hundred people were sitting on the road at a motorway entrance.

Several AfD lawmakers reported that they received police escort from the hotel to the congress venue as hundreds of protesters were jeering them.

The police are on site with a large contingent of several thousand officers and water cannons. Up to 100,000 people from all over Germany and abroad are expected to attend counter-demonstrations and events throughout the two-day party meeting.

Meanwhile, more than 20,000 marched peacefully in protest against the AfD party congress. ​​​​​​​