A candidate for local office affiliated with the AfD party was reportedly attacked and injured at an information stand in Rosenheim, according to police statements. A police spokesperson stated that three young individuals physically assaulted the candidate after a verbal dispute with a 70-year-traditional man.
Incident Involves Mayoral Candidate, Banner Dispute
According to the AfD district chairman, the victim is Michael Maurer, the party’s candidate for mayor in the Upper Bavarian town of Rott am Inn. Maurer sustained bruises and injuries to his leg and abdomen and was transported to a hospital for outpatient treatment.
The “Offenes Antifaschistisches Plenum Rosenheim” (Open Anti-Fascist Plenum Rosenheim) issued a press release denying the allegations of an attack. They stated that approximately five demonstrators were present near the AfD stand when an incident occurred, claiming they were first pushed and insulted before Maurer fell to the ground during a scuffle. They reported asking Maurer how he was doing after he fell.
Video Shows Scuffle
A video purporting to show part of the incident is available on the Facebook channel of rosenheim24.de. A longer version of the video, obtained by BR24 from the Bündnis gegen rechte Hetze Rosenheim (Alliance Against Right-Wing Extremism Rosenheim), shows a group of younger people approaching the AfD stand at Max-Josefs-Platz in Rosenheim. Michael Maurer, the AfD mayoral candidate for Rott am Inn, is visible at the stand.
The group carried a large banner with the inscription “Offenes Antifa Plenum Rosenheim.” As the group attempted to unfurl the banner in front of the stand, a struggle and “tug-of-war” ensued with individuals from the AfD stand. Maurer is briefly seen as the banner is unfurled, momentarily wrapping around him. The individuals then move into the pedestrian zone.
Maurer remained at the AfD stand and was not initially part of the scuffle. He later approached the group still struggling with the banner, moved into the center, and then fell. The video reviewed by BR24 does not show or include audio of kicks or punches. Some faces in the Antifa group are pixelated, and there are no indications of video manipulation.
Suspects Linked to “Left-Wing Grouping”
Khando Ronge, the Left party’s candidate for the Rosenheim district council, described the incident as a “tug-of-war” over a banner in a press release, stating that people from the AfD stand attempted to snatch a poster from the demonstrators. She also stated she was pushed by an AfD politician.
Police are investigating three suspects – two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old – for aggravated assault. Police state these individuals are believed to be associated with a “left-wing grouping.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the AfD information stand?
According to police, a candidate for local office affiliated with the AfD was attacked and injured by three young individuals following a verbal dispute.
What is the “Offenes Antifaschistisches Plenum Rosenheim’s” account of the incident?
The group claims they were first pushed and insulted before the AfD candidate fell during a scuffle over a banner.
Are there any ongoing investigations?
Police are investigating three suspects – two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old – for aggravated assault, believing they are associated with a “left-wing grouping.”
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what further evidence will emerge and how this incident may influence the local political landscape.
