Photo Gallery Taking Refuge
Tensions over the establishment of a new asylum seekers' home in the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf escalated on Tuesday, when a few dozen right-wing extremists found themselves confronted by 600 counter-demonstrators. Some 250 police were on hand as well.
Over 30 members of the right-wing National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) showed up at the site, carrying banners with slogans including "Stop the Asylum Flood" and "Fighting Crime -- Securing Our Borders".
Asylum seekers started moving into the premises on Monday. The new home will be based in a four-storey building previously used as a high school. It has stood empty for two years.
About 600 protestors showed up in Marzahn-Hellersdorf to protest against the right-wing extremists and welcome the asylum seekers.
Police made 25 arrests on Tuesday night and more protests were scheduled for Wednesday.
The premises, which are set to house refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and the Balkan states, were decorated with welcoming placards.
