German neo-Nazi festival may continue

meiningen - The court in the German city of Meiningen has lifted the ban on the right-wing extremist rock festival 'Rock against foreigners'. The Hildburghausen district had banned the festival in Themar (8-9 June) because rare bird species on and around the site raise their young. The court found the ban invalid, because there is insufficient evidence that the festival violates nature conservation laws. An appeal can still be lodged against this decision.

'Rock against strangers' is considered the largest right-wing extremist rock festival in Germany. Last year, the event attracted some 6,000 visitors from all over Europe. Bands and visitors brought the Hitler salute, called Nazi crowds and played music that is associated with the Nazi regime.