Germany: Clashes erupt between pro-refugee protesters and police at AfD demo

Clashes erupted between pro-refugee activists and police in Berlin on Saturday following a demonstration by right-wing party 'Alternative for Germany' (AfD). The AfD supporters carried anti-refugee and anti-government banners reading "Stop Merkel! Save Germany!" High ranking AfD politician Alexander Gauland led the protest. The demonstration was overshadowed by around 300 counter-protesters from left-wing parties and activist groups heckling the AfD speeches with chanting "Say it loud, say it clear! Refugees are welcome here!". The pro-refugee protest was organised by the union 'Stopp AfD'. A large police presence was deployed to keep the two groups apart. The AfD demonstration is the second of three planned in the German capital before December. Around 100 AfD supporters rallied through Berlin on October 24.