German police deploy water cannon as far-right, antifascists rally in Cologne
Law enforcers had earlier sought to ban Sunday’s demonstration by the far-rights. However, a Cologne court dismissed the motion and said the protesters would have the right to gather at a fixed location, but they would not be allowed to march through the city’s streets.
Hundreds of anti-fascist demonstrators were also expected to confront the radicals. Heavy security presence was to make sure the two crowds would not go head-to-head.
Eventually, scuffles broke out between police and left-wingers and a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to push back the crowd, authorities said.
The far-right rally was organized by the ‘Hooligans against Salafists’ group. The organization, which is also known as HOGESA, is made up of self-styled football hooligans, right-wingers and neo-Nazis.
Media estimates put the number of those attending the HOGESA protest at around 600 people.
A similar demonstration took place in Cologne last year and ended in violent clashes between protesters and the police. Dozens, both protesters and police among them, were injured in the violence.
READ MORE: ‘Hooligans against Salafists’: Violence erupts at huge far-right rally in Cologne
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