A German politician was attacked during an election campaign today - the next in a series of similar incidents before the European Parliament elections next week, DPA reported. quoted by BTA.
Police said a man punched and kicked Bundestag (German parliament) member Ruderich Kiesewetter at a campaign tent in Aalen, east of Stuttgart. Kieseweter, a representative of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was slightly injured in the attack.
The suspect, who is known to police, fled after the attack. Police are continuing the investigation, a spokesman said.
The local newspaper "Schwabische Post" (Schwabische Post) reported that the suspect is a candidate for local councilor from a party close to the far-right "Kerdenker" movement that rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kieseweter told the publication that he was verbally and then physically assaulted. "I didn't know who this guy was. I told him to stop, and he tore down the roof of the election tent," he added.
The attack took place after the deputy tried to photograph the man. The police arrived shortly after. Kieseweter said he offered not to press charges if the person in question apologized.
A series of attacks on politicians and campaigners from all parties on the eve of the European elections shocked Germany, DPA notes.