Newly-elected German mayor punched while celebrating election victory

Fresh from knocking out the long-time mayor of Freiburg in south-west Germany in a surprise election victory, Martin Horn was celebrating his success when a man hit him in the face.

Mr Horn, a 33-year-old independent candidate, had his nose broken and a tooth knocked out in the attack, and had to be treated in hospital.

A man aged 54 was arrested and the attack is not being seen as political.

Defeated Green candidate Dieter Salomon was mayor of Freiburg for 16 years.

A university town, Freiburg has one of Germany's youngest populations and Mr Horn campaigned on a platform of affordable housing to keep pace with growth.

He had just given a round of interviews after his election win and was celebrating with 300 supporters when he was approached by a man apparently seeking a selfie.

"Suddenly there was disturbance. The guy struck Martin Horn in the face," local centre-left politician Julien Bender told German media.

According to police investigating the unprovoked attack, the suspect has a background of psychiatric illness.

The victorious candidate went on Facebook to tell his supporters not to let the incident get them down.

"I have a broken nose, two small stitches and a broken tooth," he said before returning to the party to enjoy his victory.

Expressing shock at he attack, the outgoing mayor wished his political rival a speedy recovery.


BBC

Related News

500
Leave a comment...