About 200 counter-protesters in Germany tried to attack 20 young Christians as they were leaving a peaceful prayer gathering against abortion on Aug. 15, a rights group reported.
In Göttingen, Germany, 12 police officers were injured when the counter-protestors tried to break through a police line to attack volunteers from the “SOS Life” campaign and “Sacred Heart Apostolate” who had finished their “Public Rosary Prayer Against Abortion,” according to the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe).
“Police prevented the violent protesters, reportedly from the far-left, from reaching the participants, but 12 officers were injured during the intervention,” OIDAC Europe reported, adding that the officers suffered injuries from irritant spray and that ambulances responded to the scene.
Officers later escorted the Christian participants from the area for their safety.
The Christians held a peaceful gathering with speeches and drum beating until 200 pro-abortion counter protesters formed a crowd, and tensions escalated after the prayer gathering ended, according to police.
“Counter-protesters attempted to violently break through a police line separating the groups, prompting police to intervene by securing entrances, exits, and stairwells so the gathering Christians could retreat,” OIDAC Europe said.
The Christian Forum described the counter-protesters as “left-wing extremists.” According to OIDAC Europe, their disruption left participants “shaken by the irrational hatred,” forcing them to rely on police protection to leave the area.
