Neo-Nazi march prompts German protest

PASSAU, Germany, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Nearly 1,000 counter-protesters took to the streets of Passau, Germany, this weekend to oppose about 200 neo-Nazi marchers, an official said.

Passau Mayor Juergen Dupper told protesters Saturday that the city was against acts of right-wing violence such as the stabbing of police chief Alois Mannichl in December allegedly at the hands of an apparent right-wing supporter, Deutsche Welle reported Sunday.

"We have to tap into the virtues of our able-bodied democracy," the mayor said as nearly 1,000 police officers maintained peace between the two groups. Ten people were arrested.

Mannichl alleged his attacker appeared to be a neo-Nazi based on his appearance and slogans he shouted out during the stabbing.

The 52-year-old police chief is a noted opponent of right-wing propaganda and his stabbing has prompted opposition to the National Democratic Party and its right-wing agenda, Deutsche Welle said.

Despite the area opposition to right-wing supporters, Saturday's march against police activities organized by party officials was approved by a court Friday.