In Jena, Germany, a planned appearance by Björn Höcke, the leading candidate for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was thwarted by demonstrators.

Approximately 2,000 protesters gathered to oppose the AfD event, employing sit-in blockades to prevent Höcke from speaking.

The police intervened using pepper spray and batons to disperse the crowd, although no injuries were reported.

Due to security concerns, Höcke's appearance was canceled, and he did not travel to the event.

The protest was officially registered, but the turnout exceeded expectations.

This incident occurs in the lead-up to the Thuringia state elections on September 1, where the AfD is polling at around 30%, potentially becoming the strongest party.

The state's Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies the AfD in Thuringia as a confirmed right-wing extremist group.