Violent disturbances erupted at an Eritrean cultural event in Giessen, a western German city, on Saturday, resulting in at least 26 police officers suffering injuries.

According to local authorities, the police officers were assaulted with stones, bottles, and smoke bombs by groups of Eritreans opposing the nation’s autocratic ruler who tried to access the venue.

Approximately a thousand police were dispatched to manage the event in Giessen, a city of about 80,000 inhabitants situated roughly 50 kilometers north of Frankfurt. Police attempts to thwart over 100 people from climbing a fence to gain entry to the festival grounds began as early as 5:30 a.m. local time (0330 GMT).

Despite resorting to batons and pepper spray, police were unable to stop the crowd from entering the festival premises. About 60 individuals were arrested before the event kicked off, and by Saturday evening, approximately 100 attendees, some of whom had traveled from other European countries, were taken into custody.

The festival, which has seen similar violent occurrences in the past, attracted around 200 participants to a rally in opposition to the event. Previous incidents include an episode in August last year when several people were injured after about 100 attendees assaulted other visitors and event staff.

Local Giessen authorities had sought to ban the festival this year, but their efforts were thwarted by the courts, who found no grounds for such an action. The festival’s organizers have faced criticism for alleged ties to Eritrea’s authoritarian regime under Isaias Afwerki, who has ruled for three decades since the country gained independence from Ethiopia.

The individuals responsible for inciting violence at this year’s event are believed to be members of the Eritrean opposition. Eritrea has faced international sanctions due to its role in regional conflicts, including alleged abuses during the war in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.

  Eritrea, Germany, Giessen, Isaias Afwerki