Leftist demonstrators and far-right activists staged protests in several cities

Leftist demonstrators and far-right activists staged protests in Hamburg and other cities on 6 September 2008. In Hamburg, the leftist action turned violent, with demonstrators breaking store windows, throwing rocks at passing vehicles, setting fire to trash cans and setting up street barricades following a street party in the Scheunenviertel area of the city. Police officers used water cannon and riot sticks to disperse the rioters. Eighteen people -- including 11 police officers -- were injured and 39 protesters were detained. Meanwhile, other peaceful demonstrations took place in cities and towns across Germany, including Memmingen, Dortmund and Magdeburg, with leftist rallies staged to counter far-right actions.