Saturday, November 24, 2007

Berlin, Germany - Anti-fascist groups gathered and marched in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg area of Berlin Saturday to mark the 15th anniversary of the murder of squatter activist Silvio Meier at the hands of a group of neo-Nazis. Thousands took part in the annual spirited march while surrounded by banners on at least three sides. Once the official protest had ceased participants attacked a small counter-demonstration organized by ultra nationalists and damaged several automobiles.

Police were able to keep the two groups far enough apart from each other so as to prevent any serious violence, though several individuals were injured. 12 demonstrators were arrested in connection with disturbance of the peace, injury and attempting to liberate others in police custody. Aggressive police managed to knock a senior-citizen bystander flat on her back during a fracas.