Apollo News, Junge Freiheit journalists attacked while covering protests in Germany

Berlin, July 8, 2026—German authorities must conduct a swift and transparent investigation into attacks on at least four journalists who were covering protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during its annual conference on Saturday in Erfurt, eastern Germany, and bring all perpetrators to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.

Three reporters working for news website Apollo News— Jonas Aston, Marius Marx, and a third whose name the outlet did not disclose — needed medical treatment after being chased, hit, kicked, and pelted with objects while documenting the protests outside the July 4 conference. They were taken by police to an ambulance, and Aston was later treated in hospital for a head wound.

In addition, Vadim Derksen, a reporter from the weekly Junge Freiheit, was approached from behind by a masked individual and punched in the face. His phone was taken and later recovered.

“The attacks on Apollo News and Junge Freiheit journalists in Erfurt are troubling and must be met with full accountability,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “No journalist should be chased, beaten, robbed, or obstructed while reporting on public events. Police must ensure that reporters can work safely and freely during demonstrations and political gatherings.”

Thuringia State Police said that they had opened an investigation into the attacks. CPJ emailed questions to the state police press department but did not receive any replies.