German Far Right Draws 1,500 to Anti-Refugee Demo

A protest organized by Germany’s biggest far-right party has drawn hundreds to a torch-lit march against refugees for the second time this month.

Saturday’s demonstration, organized by the right-wing NPD party, was directed against the opening of a reception center for asylum seekers in the small eastern town of Schneeberg. Police spokeswoman Heidi Hennig says several participants are being investigated for carrying illegal weapons and attacking a press photographer.

Hennig says there were minor clashes with left-wing counter-demonstrators. Some 1,500 people also took part in a peaceful march for tolerance organized by town officials.