The German city of Chemnitz has been the epicentre of fierce clashes for the past week where anti-migrant protests and counter-protests continue to escalate.
Thousands have marched through the streets following the arrest of an Iraqi and a Syrian man over the fatal stabbing of Daniel Hillig, a 35-year-old German-Cuban.
This attack has sparked an outbreak of violence and demonstrations largely directed at Angela Merkle’s handling of the 2015 migrant crisis.
More than 1,200 police officers have been drafted in to secure the city, after nine people were injured in clashes yesterday.
Chemnitz mayor Barbara Ludwig has spoken up against the far-right demonstrations and urged Germany to defeat the anti-migrant sentiment.
She told Sky News: “The situation is volatile. There is also a state of emergency in the town.
“I’m convinced that it’ll mobilise forces as we see today that very clearly show that we won’t allow for the right and right-wing thinking to undermine the state.”
According to police in Chemnitz, around 9,500 people took part in a series of demonstrations on Friday.
A large-scale ‘silent march’ took place yesterday in protest against Chancellor Merkel’s policies.
The far-right protesters held large portraits of victims of attacks which they allege were done by asylum seekers.
In response, around 3,500 marched in support of Mrs Merkel’s policy, holding banners reading “Chemnitz is neither grey nor brown”.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas voiced his support for those marching against the far-right supporters: “The Second World War started 79 years ago. Germany caused unimaginable suffering in Europe.
“If once again people are parading today in the streets making Nazi salutes, our past history forces us to resolutely defend democracy.”
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