Thousands of Germans are protesting in Erfurt against the AfD party conference, defying police bans.

Thousands of Germans took to the streets in Erfurt on Saturday, despite police-imposed bans, to protest against the annual conference of the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party.

Law enforcement announced that demonstrations remain prohibited on several access roads around the building where the event is taking place, after the municipality challenged a court ruling that lifted the restrictions. The Administrative Court in Weimar initially ruled in favor of lifting the ban, but the municipality's appeal is currently being heard. Despite this context, over 200 buses with protesters arrived in Erfurt, and more than 1,000 people gathered in Gothaer Square, causing road blockages.

The police reported attacks with fireworks and paint on an AfD office. This party has become the largest opposition party in Germany, achieving a significant result in last year's parliamentary elections.