Earlier this week, the German left-wing extremist “Lina E” was sentenced to five years in prison after several years of attacks against neo-Nazis.
Violent riots are now taking place all over Germany in protest against the verdict.
– The concern is that it will be a very violent night and evening, says TV4 Nyhetern’s foreign correspondent Jona Källgren on location in Berlin.
Between 2018 and 2020, “Lina E”, as she is called, is said to have attacked neo-Nazis in and around Leipzig several times.
– Among other things, she has entered neo-Nazi bars with bats and hammers. There she allegedly smashed everything and attacked people, says TV4’s Jona Källgren in Berlin.
After being detained for over two years, she is now being sentenced to five years in prison – something that has angered German left-wing extremist groups and has led to the impending violence.
– Within groups described as extreme left or anti-fascist, she has become a hero, says Jona Källgren.
“Stones and bottles thrown”
The violent riots already started last night around Germany, including in Dresden and Hamburg.
– During the night, protesters threw stones, bottles and firecrackers at the police. Today it has continued and protesters have, among other things, started several fires around the city, says Jona Källgren.
Several protesters, a number of police officers and a journalist have been injured in the unrest. In addition, “Lina E” is expected to appeal the verdict, which could prolong the unrest even further.
– As long as this anger among left-wing groups remains, we can probably expect serious demonstrations tonight and it will probably continue given that there will probably be an appeal, says TV4’s foreign correspondent.