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Merkel Speaks About ‘Lost Sense of Security’ in Protests-Hit Germany’s Chemnitz

© REUTERS / Kay NietfeldGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during the meeting with readers of 'Freie Presse' newspaper in Chemnitz
German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during the meeting with readers of 'Freie Presse' newspaper in Chemnitz - Sputnik International
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BERLIN (Sputnik) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a long-awaited visit to Chemnitz on Friday that it was left in fear after clashes over migration shook the eastern city months ago.

"The events of late August have shaken people. There were demonstrations, which is their legal right. This does not justify the use of far-right symbols … What concerns me is the resulting loss of the sense of security in the city," the German chancellor was cited as saying by the Freie Presse at an event hosted by the daily.

President of Germany's intelligence agency (German Verfassungsschutz), Hans-Georg Maassen, poses during a ceremony where he received the letter of appointment in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012. - Sputnik International
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Merkel stated that more should be done to integrate migrants, a million of whom entered the country at the height of the 2015 refugee crisis in Europe. She admitted some of them lied on their asylum applications and should be punished for the crimes they commit in Germany.

READ MORE: Germans Overwhelmingly Embrace Democracy, Oppose Islamization, Study Shows

Earlier in the day, Barbara Ludwig, the mayor of Chemnitz has addressed Chancellor Angela Merkel in a statement timed to the chancellor's visit, to try harder to explain her decisions to citizens and be open to feedback.

READ MORE: Mayor of Protest-Hit German Chemnitz Tells Merkel to Get Closer to People

The comment referred to the protests of right-wing activists and counter-rallies erupted after a local man was stabbed to death by apparent foreigners on August 26. Violence continued for weeks, reigniting a nationwide debate on Berlin’s migration policy.

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