G20 Summit: Refugees call Hamburg rioters 'crazy' after third night of violence
'They have such a beautiful country and they are destroying it'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anti-globalisation protesters involved in a third consecutive night of clashes with police in Hamburg are ‘crazy’, according to some refugees in the city.
Police used water cannon trucks against rioters, who hurled iron rods and pavement blocks at authorities, even after G20 leaders had left the city.
“If people did this in Egypt they would be shot,” said Ibrahim Ali, a 29-year-old Egyptian who came to Hamburg in 2011.
“The state provides everything: housing, unemployment benefits and education. Yet those people are not happy. I don't get it.”
Ali was one of three refugees serving beer, falafel and humus to protesters leaving the Sternschanze quarter, as rioters came under pressure from police special units.
"They are crazy. I can't believe my eyes," said Mohammad Halabi, 32, a Syrian who arrived in Germany as a refugee some 18 months ago.
"They have such a beautiful country and they're destroying it."
But Halabi says he cannot be angry at the German chancellor Angela Merkel, who took the decision to welcome refugees into the country.
“Without her I wouldn’t be here,” he said.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have been protesting at the G20 international forum of world leaders.
German chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned their actions.
“I have every understanding for peaceful demonstrations but violent demonstrations put human lives in danger,” she said.
More than 200 officers have been injured, although it is not clear how many protesters were injured.
Many have been gathering in black bloc formations with dark clothing and masks, a protest tactic used by demonstrators associated with the anarchist movement.
Reuters.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments