Due to defamatory comments on his Facebook account, Pegida founder Lutz Bachmann is now facing trial. He called the refugees “filth” and “cattle” that drew anger and criticism. He could be imprisoned for up to five years if found guilty.
Members of PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans agaisnt the Islamisation of the West) staged anti-Islam rallies across Europe this weekend to protest the massive influx of immigrants.
Dozens of protesters shouted at Chancellor Angela Merkel and waved placards with the slogan "traitor" on Wednesday when she visited an eastern German town where anti-refugee protests erupted into violence at the weekend.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's government and leaders of Germany's powerful regions agreed on Friday to speed up processing of asylum applications but put off a decision on increasing support for towns and cities struggling with a surge in refugees.
