German far-right activist attacked during anti-Islam rally in Mannheim

BERLIN

A German far-right activist was attacked on Friday during an anti-Islam demonstration, suffering serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Michael Sturzenberger, a controversial figure known for his Islamophobic and anti-immigration views, was stabbed by an unidentified man in the southwestern city of Mannheim.

In photos and videos circulating on social media, the assailant could be seen stabbing several people, including a police officer, before he was shot and wounded by officers.

Authorities could not immediately provide information on the identity of those injured in the attack.

“We cannot provide any information at this point about the extent and severity of the injuries. A firearm was used against the attacker. He was also injured,” the Mannheim police said in a statement.

No details were given about the identity of the attacker and his possible motive.

Sturzenberger has been an influential figure of the Islamophobic movement the Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE), which is classified as an extremist organization by the country’s security services.

On Friday, Sturzenberger was scheduled to deliver a speech at Mannheim’s city center, as part of the group’s “Stop political Islam!” campaign.

According to Stefanie Kizina from the BPE movement, Sturzenberger suffered injuries to his face and leg during the attack.

“He is undergoing emergency surgery. His life is apparently not in danger. This is the second serious attack on him,” she told Bild newspaper.

Sturzenberger was widely criticized on media over the past few years for giving hate speeches, making xenophobic and racist comments about Muslim immigrants, and associating Islam with terrorism. His extremist movement BPE was monitored by the country’s domestic intelligence agency for suspected anti-constitutional activities.