Police, anti-refugee protesters clash in eastern Germany

Fresh clashes have erupted between police and anti-refugee demonstrators in eastern Germany a day after similar scuffles left dozens injured there.

On Saturday, anti-immigration protesters took to the streets in the eastern town of Heidenau, to express their anger at the use of a former DIY superstore to house a group of asylum seekers.

The protest turned violent as police tried to disperse the demonstrators who were wielding fire extinguishers and hurling stones.

The rally was held on the same day that some 93 refugees arrived in buses at the new temporary accommodation in Heidenau.

Security forces, however, managed to bring the situation under control, escorting the asylum seekers' buses to the temporary accommodation.

This is while more buses are expected to drop off up to 250 asylum seekers at the place.

A similar Friday protest in Heidenau called by the far-right National Democratic Party of Germany also ended in clashes, leaving at least 31 police officers injured.

In a statement issued on Saturday, German Justice Minister Heiko Maas condemned the violence that broke out at Friday’s anti-refugee demonstration, saying the country “must not tolerate” those with such racist views.

“We must pursue this with the full force of the rule of law,” said Maas, who also posted a similar tweet reading, “There can be no tolerance for xenophobia or racism.”

In recent years, Germany has witnessed a rise in violent attacks targeting refugee shelters.

This is while, according to German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere, the European country is bracing for up to 800,000 asylum seekers this year.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk