Tens of thousands protest in Germany against the far right

Tens of thousands of people have gathered across Germany to protest against a far-right political party and its stance against migrants and refugees.

People protested in several cities and small towns on Saturday, with some mocking the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party with signs saying “Fascism is not an alternative”, German media reported.

The protests come following an outcry after it was revealed that AfD members held a meeting with far-right activists and discussed plans to mass deport foreigners.

Police said some 35,000 people joined a call under the banner “Defend democracy – Frankfurt against the AfD”, marching in the financial heart of Germany.

A similar number, some carrying posters like “Nazis out”, turned up in the northern city of Hanover. Another 30,000 turned up in the western city of Dortmund.

Protests were also held in cities including Braunschweig, Erfurt, Kassel and many smaller towns, mirroring mobilisation every day over the past week.

Germany’s ARD public television put the total turnout on Saturday at more than 200,000 people.

In all, demonstrations have been called in about 100 locations across Germany from Friday through the weekend, including in Berlin on Sunday.

Politicians, churches, and Bundesliga coaches have urged people to stand up against the AfD.