Violent protesters expected at AfD rally in Germany's Erfurt

The interior minister of the central German state of Thuringia, Georg Maier, said on Friday he anticipates up to 50,000 people taking part in protests against the federal party conference of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state capital Erfurt in early July. 

"There will also be violent protesters among them. Past experience has shown this time and again," Maier said in Erfurt. There could be attempts to set up roadblocks, but the police are prepared for this, he added. 

Maier and Erfurt Mayor Andreas Horn appealed to those taking part in the demonstrations to behave peacefully.

"Anyone demonstrating against a party they consider to be anti-constitutional should not themselves act in a manner that is unconstitutional," said Maier, adding that he supports peaceful demonstrations. 

"This democracy is under pressure," said Maier, who is also the regional chairman of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).

The fundamental right to freedom of assembly will be enforced by the police for everyone - both for those attending the AfD's federal party conference and for those taking part in the protests - Maier and Horn said. 

A total of 31 events have so far been registered in connection with the party conference on July 4 and 5. 

Thuringia's AfD party and parliamentary group leader, Björn Höcke, had said in the state parliament this week that he expected "civil war-like conditions" in Erfurt. Maier rejected this claim once again.

According to Thuringia Chief of Police Thomas Quittenbaum, several thousand police officers will be on duty. Support for the large-scale operation is coming from almost all federal states and from the Federal Police.