the pic just above here is of anti-racist/anti-fascists demonstratingagainst the Far-Right and anti-Islam group, Pro-Koeln.
German police on Saturday cancelled an anti-Islam congress organised by a far-right group on safety grounds in Cologne after the venue was blocked by opponents. ‘Pro-Cologne’ had called the rally to oppose a decision by local authorities in Cologne to allow the construction of a mosque with a high dome and minarets. It invited nationalist groups from around Europe to join the “Stop Islam” rally to fight what it called the “Islamisation and immigration invasion” of Germany and Europe.
But only 50 supporters of the anti-immigrant group Pro Cologne managed to reach a city square as it was being blocked by anti-fascists. A police spokesman said the leftists were no longer attacking in small groups but in large formations.
A signal box on the edge of town was set on fire in the early morning by persons unknown, forcing the closure of a main line for several hours and the diversion of 12 national express trains. Taxi drivers, bartenders, bus companies and hotels denied the far right their service
more links:
1) COLOGNE, Germany (AFP) – – German police said tens of thousands of Cologne residents took to the streets Saturday in protest at an “anti-Islamisation” conference of European far-right leaders.
Carrying banners saying: “We are Cologne — Get rid of the Nazis!,” protesters gathered outside the city’s cathedral to demonstrate against the congress organised by the local far-right group Pro-Koeln (For Cologne).
2) Published: 19 Sep 08
The first day of a three-day right-wing “anti-Islamification congress” in Cologne against a supposed “immigrant invasion” in Europe was marked by minor scuffles with counter-demonstrators.
It’s good to see the turnout from the anti-fa forces in Cologne. This seems to be not only an effective mobilization, but the strongest showing in many years. They blocked this congress of fascists. They were not simply “protesting” – they carried out a mass, determined mobilization to stop it.