Pakistan, July 5 -- Thousands of people protested across the eastern German city of Erfurt as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held its annual conference, highlighting growing political divisions ahead of key regional elections. Demonstrators blocked major roads leading to the venue while the party re-elected its leadership and intensified its campaign to expand political influence across Germany. Police estimated that around 15,000 people participated in demonstrations supported by unions, civil society organizations, and left-wing political groups.

Authorities deployed large numbers of police officers, including reinforcements from across the country, to maintain order during the two-day conference. Protesters sat across hig...