Anti-Islamization Protest in Slovakia Turns Violent, Scores Arrested

Police arrested at least 140 people at a major demonstration in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, where thousands of right-wing protesters gathered to rally against the inflow of migrants from Africa and the Middle East, RT reports, citing local media.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The protest, organized by the Alternativna cesta group on Saturday under the slogan "Stop Islamization of Europe!" turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police, with some participants reportedly throwing stones and smoke bombs, and law enforcement officers who responded with tear gas.

Sirens and gunshots going off in central #Bratislava at a racist anti-immigrant rally. pic.twitter.com/GBG0oJ0chP

— Jack Thorpe-Baker (@jackthorpebaker) 20 июня 2015

The protest came amid EU debates in Brussels over compulsory quotas for the resettlement of predominantly Muslim migrants that came ashore earlier this year in Italy and Greece. Slovakia and several other EU nations oppose the plan to take in some 40,000 asylum seekers.

Crowds marching in downtown Bratislava on Saturday could be seen waving banners that read "Slovakia is not Africa," according to a video posted on the Netherland’s nie.nl website.

The Facebook page for the even said that 14,000 people took part in the protest.

The demonstrators chanted "Slovakia for Slovaks" and threw objects like beer bottles at the participants of a counter-protest, who were holding placards showing a crossed-out swastika. At least once police officer was hurt in the action.