Police ready for deployment at German far-right AfD party conference

The police in the German state of Thuringia say they are well-prepared for their deployment at the party conference of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state capital Erfurt this weekend. 

From Friday to Sunday, several thousand officers from across the country will be on duty in the area around the venue and in the city centre, the headquarters of the state-level police announced on Friday. 

Up to 600 AfD members are set to gather for a federal party conference on Saturday and Sunday at the Erfurt Exhibition Centre. 

Party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla are expected to be re-elected at the meeting. The race for the second tier of leadership looks set to be more unpredictable.  

"We will have a comprehensive presence so that we can respond actively to any situation," the police said in a statement issued on Friday. "Our objectives are to ensure safety and order, and to safeguard the constitutional fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and the right of political parties to organize."

The police say they have been preparing for this operation for months. 

"Our remit includes ensuring compliance with applicable laws, protecting the general public and prosecuting criminal offences," the statement continued. "Protest is legitimate. We will therefore protect and support peaceful demonstrations. However, violence and disproportionate restrictions on the fundamental rights of third parties will not be tolerated and will be rigorously prosecuted," they said. 

The statement added that they would be reporting transparently on the course of operations around the clock on social media throughout the weekend.

Thuringia's AfD leader, Björn Höcke, will play a key role as the host in Erfurt.
Numerous protests have been announced.