Dozens of German police were injured after a two-night drug check operation in Stuttgart sparked protests.
Police said in a statement on Sunday that 19 out of 200 deployed authorities were injured while patrol cars and local shops were massively damaged after protesters attacked them with poles and large rocks, including paving stones.
The commotion only started when authorities stopped a 17-year-old on suspicion of drug possession as several hundred were partying outside.
“Many celebrants from the clientele gathering mainly in the evenings and nights, including at Eckensee, showed solidarity in connection with police check on the occasion of a drug offence against the officials,” the statement translated in English read.
“As a result, people moved towards Schlossplatz and apparently were also distributed in groups in the city centre.”
Several instances of looting were also reported.
Meanwhile, only one of the 19 authorities was seriously hurt to be considered unable to work.
“It can also be seen in film scenes how massively attempts are made to smash even heavy, large panes. In order to hide their identity, the perpetrators deliberately covered themselves with balaclavas and other materials,” police said.
“In addition, the perpetrators also damaged billboards and added graffiti,” it added.
The situation only calmed after hours when the police helicopter hovered around the city.
At least 30 shops including mobile phone shops, clothing stores, and jewellers have been damaged. Eight stores were victims of looting.
The total expense stolen from the shops were yet to be determined.
Some 24 individuals suspected of joining the protest have been detained and were up for questioning. Of the total, seven were minors while seven were between the ages of 18 and 21.
Meanwhile, authorities were reviewing footage circulating on social media for further evidence.
“The criminal police are securing evidence at the hour and hearing more than 20 detainees. Firefighters and the THW (Technisches Hilfswerk) still secure many window panes at the hour,” police said.
“The police headquarters in Stuttgart is currently still in the process of creating a general overview from the existing and future findings,” it said, ruling out any political motive.
Photo by Andrzej Rembowski from Pixabay
