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Clashes at Germany's Heidenau asylum centre alarm government | Clashes at Germany's Heidenau asylum centre alarm government |
(about 2 hours later) | |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has strongly condemned violence at an asylum seekers' shelter that injured dozens of police officers. | |
Security was increased at the newly-opened centre in Heidenau near Dresden at the weekend after two nights of protests. | |
Left-wing activists staging counter-demonstrations have clashed with the right-wing protesters. | |
Germany says it expects up to 800,000 to seek asylum by the end of 2015. | Germany says it expects up to 800,000 to seek asylum by the end of 2015. |
Mrs Merkel's spokesman said it was "abhorrent how right-wing extremists and neo-Nazis attempt to spread their idiotic message of hatred around an asylum shelter". | |
German news magazine Der Spiegel reports that the violence on Friday night followed a demonstration earlier in the evening, called for by a Facebook group linked to the far-right NPD party. | |
The group later distanced itself from the violence that followed. | |
Police had to use tear gas and pepper spray in the early hours of Saturday morning to lift a blockade of the asylum seekers' shelter. Hundreds of people, some alcohol-fuelled, hurled bottles and stones at police, injuring 31 officers, reports say. | |
A further night of violence followed on Saturday, and two police officers were injured. | |
German media report that a police "control zone" introduced in the area immediately around the centre on Sunday appears to be working. The violence between left and right-wing groups on Sunday night took place outside this zone. | |
Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, visiting Heidenau on Monday, praised the town's mayor for his courage in speaking out against the violence. | |
Mr Gabriel was also due to speak to the refugees on Monday and tour the building where they are being lodged, which is in a former DIY store. | Mr Gabriel was also due to speak to the refugees on Monday and tour the building where they are being lodged, which is in a former DIY store. |
About 300 asylum seekers have already arrived at the reception centre, which is due to take 600 people. | About 300 asylum seekers have already arrived at the reception centre, which is due to take 600 people. |
Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has promised to use "the full force of the law" against those who carry out anti-refugee violence. | Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has promised to use "the full force of the law" against those who carry out anti-refugee violence. |