Violent protests in a small German town have taken place over two nights, leading the authorities to say they will counter xenophobia.
The eastern German town of Heidenau, near Dresden, saw one night of violence followed by one of scuffles as police intervened against right-wing militants and racists who were threatening a refugee shelter there.
On Friday evening 31 police officers had to be treated for injury after the more than 600 protestors were subjected to tear gas when they tried to block refugee access to the shelter.
Things were a bit calmer on Saturday but about 200 militants, many reportedly drunk and some shouting “Heil Hitler”, threw fireworks, rocks and bottles at the police.
Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has condemned attacks on refugees while also noting that many German citizens were giving assistance to the newcomers, calling it “as huge wave of readiness to help”.
"At the same time as we see a wave of people wanting to help, we have a rise in hate, insults and violence against asylum seekers. That is obscene and unworthy of our country," he said.
"Anyone who acts like that faces the full force of the law."
Justice Minister Heiko Mass said there was no tolerance for xenophobia or racism.
In the first half of the year, around 150 arson or other types of attack on refugee centres have been recorded. Most of the opposition to asylum seekers has risen in small towns and villages in the eastern part of the country where foreigners were not often seen under the long years of communist rule.
The country is struggling to cope with its generosity. Only in the last few days it announced it was increasing its intake of refugees to 800,000, which represents nearly 1% of the population.
Some politicians want other EU countries to do more. Others are calling for local governments to be given more funds for housing, medical care and education.
