22 police officers injured during unrest at Eritrean festival in Germany

Police officers surrounded a group of people before the start of the Eritrea Festival in Giessen (dpa via AP)

German police have said at least 22 officers were injured and dozens of people were detained during unrest at an Eritrean cultural event in the western city of Giessen.

Police said bottles were thrown and smoke bombs were ignited as groups of Eritreans opposed to the African nation’s autocratic ruler tried to force their way to the venue.