News / Germany

Anti-Islam, anti-immigrant movement holds demo in Leipzig

Tuesday, 05 January 2016 12:18 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 06 January 2016 12:32 PM ]

In this file photo, people hold German flags as they attend a demonstration of the anti-Islam, anti-immigrant LEGIDA movement in Leipzig, eastern Germany. ©AFP

Supporters of LEGIDA, the Leipzig arm of the anti-Islam and anti-refugee movement Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the Occident, known as PEGIDA, have held a demonstration in the German city.

On Monday, an estimated 200 followers of the far-right group marched through the center of Leipzig, under the cover of hundreds of police officers.

Law enforcement officers separated the marchers from leftist protesters holding a counter-rally in the area.

LEGIDA is set to mark its first anniversary in Leipzig on January 11, and supporters of its sister group, PEGIDA, are expected to join the rally.

PEGIDA was gradually losing its popularity among Germans, with opponents accusing the far-right group of promoting racism and hatred against Muslims.

However, it has made a comeback to Germany’s political scene in the wake of the refugee crisis in Europe, which saw an unprecedented number of asylum seekers crossing into its borders.

More than one million refugees reached Germany, mostly fleeing the conflict in Syria, in the twelve months of 2015.

Officials in European countries are struggling to forge a united response to the record number of refugees.

On Monday, Sweden tightened control of its borders with Denmark, prompting Copenhagen to adopt a similar measure at the frontier with Germany.

Danish border police checks IDs at the Danish-German border town of Krusaa on January 4, 2016. © AFP

“When other Nordic countries seal their borders it can have major consequences for Denmark. It can lead to more asylum seekers,” said Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, adding, “We are simply reacting to a decision made in Sweden.”

Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees who are fleeing conflict-ridden zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

Many blame major European powers for the exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and wars, forcing more people out of their homes.

While a few European leaders support an open-door refugee policy, others are in favor of controlling the European Union’s external borders. They are deporting more people and paying third countries to keep asylum seekers on their soil.

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