Thousands of demonstrators in Erfurt, Germany, defied police bans on Saturday to protest the annual conference of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The two-day conference is taking place in the eastern German city despite widespread opposition. Reuters and DPA report that protestors attempted to disrupt the event, challenging police restrictions on demonstrations across multiple routes. Authorities had previously announced the protest ban, citing security concerns. The demonstrations highlight the growing public resistance to the AfD, a party gaining increasing political traction in Germany. Further clashes between protestors and police are anticipated as the conference continues.