Anti-immigrant protest turns violent in Cologne
- 8 years ago
Pitched battles erupted during an anti-immigration demonstration in Cologne on Saturday between the right-wing marchers and police as tensions in Germany remained high more than a week after hundreds of women were sexually assaulted and robbed on New Year's Eve.
Police used water cannons against demonstrators after riot police were hit by beer bottles, stones and firecrackers.
At least three police officers and a journalist were injured.
The mood had been tense since Friday when reports came out that recently arrived refugees were among the suspected assailants in the New Year's Eve attacks.
Women said they were were molested and groped by a mob of more than 1,000 men in Cologne, Germany's fourth largest city.
Police in Cologne, who withheld information for a week that some refugees were suspected, have been under intense pressure.
Police chief Wolfgang Albers was fired on Friday for failing to inform Cologne's mayor that refugees were suspected of being involved.
Police used water cannons against demonstrators after riot police were hit by beer bottles, stones and firecrackers.
At least three police officers and a journalist were injured.
The mood had been tense since Friday when reports came out that recently arrived refugees were among the suspected assailants in the New Year's Eve attacks.
Women said they were were molested and groped by a mob of more than 1,000 men in Cologne, Germany's fourth largest city.
Police in Cologne, who withheld information for a week that some refugees were suspected, have been under intense pressure.
Police chief Wolfgang Albers was fired on Friday for failing to inform Cologne's mayor that refugees were suspected of being involved.