Protest turns ugly in Hamburg
2009-07-05 14:15
Berlin - At least 27 policemen were injured in overnight clashes with left-wing activists in Hamburg who went on a violence spree, the police said on Sunday.
"A total of 67 suspects were arrested for arson and throwing stones and bottles at policemen, wilful damage and rebellion," a statement said.
About 1 000 people, some clad in black and sporting sunglasses, had clashed with about 1 800 policemen deployed to pre-empt violence. They set fire to a police car and several trash cans.
The police used water cannons and batons against the attackers.
Germany's interior ministry says there are about 6 000 members of the far left who are prone to carrying out acts of violence. Last year they were held responsible for 701 such attacks.
- AFP