German riot police clash with ant-fascist activists, arrest 12
German riot police have arrested at least 12 people and injured several others during scuffles with anti-fascist activists, who took to the streets to voice their support for refugees.
Hundreds of protesters rallied in the town of Göttingen on Sunday in response to a demonstration organized by right-wing activists.
The anti-immigration rally was roughly attended by 40 people, who were chanting "Stop the crime by foreigners: an end to murder."
Activists supporting refugees carried flags and banners reading in German, "We do not want Nazis in Göttingen.”
One of the protesters told a German-language daily that the rally was totally peaceful until police started to attack people with pepper spray and batons, trying to disperse them.
The violence broke out when the protesters tried to break through riot police lines, triggering scuffles which left some of the activists injured.
Counter-rallies against right-wing demonstrations have become frequent in Germany, which is in the midst of one of the worst refugee crises since World War II.
German officials have voiced concern about a surge in verbal violence and online hate crimes against refugees.
Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her policy towards refugees, most of whom are fleeing conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.
She expressed her deep commitment to a “sense of community” and dismissed calls by her opponents to reverse Germany's welcoming stance towards refugees.
"Despite the great unease these events inspire, fear can't be the guide for political decisions," she said.
Merkel made the remarks following alleged deadly attacks by refugees, who had arrived in Germany as asylum seekers. Reports said more than a million managed to enter the country last year.
Europe has been facing an unprecedented influx of refugees. Last year alone, well over a million refugees made their way into the continent.
Many blame major European powers for the exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and conflicts in the Middle East region.
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