From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 19, 2015
Anti-migrant group, counter-protesters rally in Dresden
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleThousands of people have massed in the eastern German city of Dresden to mark the first anniversary of the anti-migrant movement PEGIDA, but just as many have come out in counter-protest.
Carrying placards with images such as a picture of burqa-wearing women with a big cross over it, or slogans like “Go Merkel: you give the Judas kiss”, PEGIDA supporters gathered in downtown Dresden, the birthplace of the movement.
One of them tells AFP: “We are here for our children and grandchildren. We are proud to be here and that many people are here. We are glad that people have the courage to speak out.”
“Pegida is not a brown-shirt movement. Never,” says the protester in her 60s, referring to the Nazis, adding that “Frau Merkel is driving our country against the wall.”
But counter-protesters also turn up in their thousands in Dresden.
Anti-Pegida demonstrators in Dresden. @afpfr pic.twitter.com/jhoZGkP8yh
— Arman Soldin (@ArmanSoldin) October 19, 2015
Hans, 75, tells AFP he made it a point to be present because “PEGIDA is celebrating its birthday and we think that it is very important for the majority of the population to not join PEGIDA, and to show that they don’t agree with the movement.”
Ahead of the PEGIDA march, Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated a call for citizens to shun “those with hate in their hearts.”
— AFP
The Times of Israel Community.