\n<\/p>\n
Several hundred people gathered in Leipzig on Saturday for a pro-Palestinian demonstration to protest against supporters of Israel within the left-wing scene.<\/p>\n
Several left-wing groups registered to gather in the Connewitz district of the eastern German city. Large numbers of police officers were deployed, expecting an extended operation.<\/p>\n
The officers were separating the different groups, using barriers in some instances. No major incidents have been reported so far.<\/p>\n
A reporter on site heard demonstrators shouting “Viva Viva Palestina” and “Free Palestine.”<\/p>\n
Handala, a pro-Palestinian group which opposes Israel, called for the gathering under the motto “Antifa means: Free Palestine.”<\/p>\n
Germany’s domestic security service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, classifies Handala as extremist.<\/p>\n
Saturday’s demonstration is directed against the predominantly pro-Israeli left-wing scene, which is mainly based in the Connewitz area of Leipzig. Opponents to this group include other far-left groups.<\/p>\n
The state police called in support from beyond Saxony to include members of the forces from Thuringia, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n