20,000 Rally Against Far Right in Düsseldorf

Approximately 20,000 people gathered in downtown Düsseldorf on Saturday for a demonstration against right-wing extremism and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, according to the daily newspaper Die Welt.

The protest was held under the slogan "Not One Step Back! Against the AfD and Right-Wing Agitation". According to the newspaper, turnout significantly exceeded the organizers' initial expectations, as they had hoped the demonstration would send a message in support of an open and democratic society.

Several political initiatives called for the protest. Among the participants were families with children and members of the Grandmothers Against the Right initiative. The demonstration proceeded peacefully.

The protest followed a few days after the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, in which the AfD won nearly 44% of the vote and became the strongest party, though it did not achieve an absolute majority.

(Die Welt)