Thousands prevent neo-Nazi rally in Dresden

Thousands of people stand at the start of a human chain with a banner reading “Against violence and hostility to foreigners” during the 65th anniversary of the allied bombings during World War II in Dresden. Thousands of people gathered in Dresden Saturday to block for the first time an annual neo-Nazi march commemorating the Allied bombing of the German city during World War II. The neo-Nazis gathered outside the Neustadt railway station to mark the anniversary of devastating bombing raids, and were to stage a “funeral march” after listening to a series of speeches but more than 15,000 counter-protestors blocked the rally. “We have for the first time succeeded in preventing the biggest neo-Nazi march in Europe,” said Lena Roth of the “Dresden without Nazis” alliance of politicians, artists and unionists. Police reported “a few incidents” including attacks on officers by “violent demonstrators” who were not identified. But they later said the neo-Nazis were not able to stage the march. About 30 people were arrested during the day from the two camps, police said.

viaFrance24 – Thousands prevent neo-Nazi rally in Dresden.