Several Conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr and Sen Ted Cruz, retweeted misleading claims and footage that depicted Portland protesters as having burned a stack of Bible books.

However, it turns out the narrative was originally set in motion by Russian-backed media outlet Ruptly, The New York Times has reported.

The video was first tweeted by an account that lists two cities — Oklahoma City and Abu Dhabi — as its users’ location and has only a few dozen followers. It was soon after deleted. But before that, it was conveniently picked up by a Malaysian named Ian Miles Cheong who plays a right-wing American narrative on social media.

The right-wing commentator tweeted the footage along with false claims, which several conservative politicians and news outlets then further amplified. His tweet quickly became the basis for an entire day of outrage from right-wing news outlets.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Left-wing activists bring a stack of Bibles to burn in front of the federal courthouse in Portland. <a href="https://t.co/lYWY0x8n8P">https://t.co/lYWY0x8n8P</a>
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) <a href="https://twitter.com/stillgray/status/1289512762733785088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It has since been retweeted more than 26,000 times.

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Now we move to the book burning phase. I’m pretty sure ANTIFA doesn’t actually stand for what they say it stands for. Maybe just remove the anti part of them name and it’s perfect. <a href="https://t.co/LbjAANy3K5">https://t.co/LbjAANy3K5</a>
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1289526223039655936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is who they are. <a href="https://t.co/02bNNnJuG4">https://t.co/02bNNnJuG4</a>
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/tedcruz/status/1289628398260596737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cheong, when asked about the said tweet, said he “was just trawling through Twitter looking for ‘Portland’ as I normally do” and heard talk of it of the Bible burnings.

According to NYT, he did not see the stacks of Bibles being burned that he described in his tweet. All he saw was the Ruptly video of the single burning Bible.

In 2016, Russia relied heavily on fake Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media accounts to artificially amplify fake news stories created by the Internet Research Agency.

In the present case, the success of Ruptly's misleading coverage of the Portland protests reveals how Russia's misinformation tactics have evolved since the 2016 presidential election, where American intelligence agencies have repeatedly concluded that Russia interfered with the aim of hurting Hillary Clinton's candidacy.

Cybersecurity experts have also found that Russia is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic and racial tension in the US, and weaving it into a good dose of sensation. US intelligence agencies have also warned that Russia is attempting to sway the election toward Trump again in 2020. 
&nbsp;

Several Conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr and Sen Ted Cruz, retweeted misleading claims and footage that depicted Portland protesters as having burned a stack of Bible books.

Several Conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr and Sen Ted Cruz, retweeted misleading claims and footage that depicted Portland protesters as having burned a stack of Bible books. However, it turns out the narrative was originally set in motion by Russian-backed media outlet Ruptly, The New York Times has reported. The video was first tweeted by an account that lists two cities — Oklahoma City and Abu Dhabi — as its users’ location and has only a few dozen followers. It was soon after deleted. But before that, it was conveniently picked up by a Malaysian named Ian Miles Cheong who plays a right-wing American narrative on social media. The right-wing commentator tweeted the footage along with false claims, which several conservative politicians and news outlets then further amplified. His tweet quickly became the basis for an entire day of outrage from right-wing news outlets. Left-wing activists bring a stack of Bibles to burn in front of the federal courthouse in Portland. https://t.co/lYWY0x8n8P — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 1, 2020 × It has since been retweeted more than 26,000 times. Now we move to the book burning phase. I’m pretty sure ANTIFA doesn’t actually stand for what they say it stands for. Maybe just remove the anti part of them name and it’s perfect. https://t.co/LbjAANy3K5 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 1, 2020 × This is who they are. https://t.co/02bNNnJuG4 — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 1, 2020 × Cheong, when asked about the said tweet, said he “was just trawling through Twitter looking for ‘Portland’ as I normally do” and heard talk of it of the Bible burnings. According to NYT, he did not see the stacks of Bibles being burned that he described in his tweet. All he saw was the Ruptly video of the single burning Bible. In 2016, Russia relied heavily on fake Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media accounts to artificially amplify fake news stories created by the Internet Research Agency. In the present case, the success of Ruptly's misleading coverage of the Portland protests reveals how Russia's misinformation tactics have evolved since the 2016 presidential election, where American intelligence agencies have repeatedly concluded that Russia interfered with the aim of hurting Hillary Clinton's candidacy. Cybersecurity experts have also found that Russia is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic and racial tension in the US, and weaving it into a good dose of sensation. US intelligence agencies have also warned that Russia is attempting to sway the election toward Trump again in 2020.

A Bible burning, and some sensation: How a fake claim about Portland protests became a good story

Police in London have defended smashing a man's car window and arresting him on suspicion of selling drugs. The police, however, could not find drugs in his car, after the man complained of discrimination.

Ryan Colaco, a rapper and Black Lives Matter supporter, was stopped and searched twice while driving home.

Colaco filmed the incident and posted parts of the video on social media. In the footage, he is heard saying "why does this keep happening?" and "this can`t keep happening to me, man" before an officer smashes his car window with a baton.

In a statement, the City of London Police said officers noticed Colaco's car parked on the side of the road and suspected its presence was linked to the sale of drugs.

"One of the specialist officers identified behaviour from the occupant which warranted a stop and search of the man," it said, without elaborating.

The police said Colaco refused to step out of his car after several requests spanning some 10 minutes, despite officers making it clear they would use force if he failed to comply.

No drugs were found in the car, which was returned to Colaco with shattered glass still strewn inside.

The police force said it had investigated Colaco's complaint and found "the level of service was acceptable", apart from the condition of the car when it was returned to him - for which it has now apologised to him.&nbsp;

According to civil rights group Liberty, Black people are over nine times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people. The issue of how British police use "stop and search" powers, particularly allegations that Black people are disproportionately targetted, has come into sharp focus in recent months due to Black Lives Matter protests. 
&nbsp;

Police in London have defended smashing a man's car window and arresting him on suspicion of selling drugs. The police, however, could not find drugs in his car, after the man complained of discrimination.

Police in London have defended smashing a man's car window and arresting him on suspicion of selling drugs. The police, however, could not find drugs in his car, after the man complained of discrimination. Ryan Colaco, a rapper and Black Lives Matter supporter, was stopped and searched twice while driving home. Colaco filmed the incident and posted parts of the video on social media. In the footage, he is heard saying "why does this keep happening?" and "this can`t keep happening to me, man" before an officer smashes his car window with a baton. In a statement, the City of London Police said officers noticed Colaco's car parked on the side of the road and suspected its presence was linked to the sale of drugs. "One of the specialist officers identified behaviour from the occupant which warranted a stop and search of the man," it said, without elaborating. The police said Colaco refused to step out of his car after several requests spanning some 10 minutes, despite officers making it clear they would use force if he failed to comply. No drugs were found in the car, which was returned to Colaco with shattered glass still strewn inside. The police force said it had investigated Colaco's complaint and found "the level of service was acceptable", apart from the condition of the car when it was returned to him - for which it has now apologised to him. According to civil rights group Liberty, Black people are over nine times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people. The issue of how British police use "stop and search" powers, particularly allegations that Black people are disproportionately targetted, has come into sharp focus in recent months due to Black Lives Matter protests.

London police defend action after racism complaint over drugs search, smashed car window

A clothing factory named Jaswal Fashions based in the eastern England city of Leicester faces a modern slavery investigation after an undercover reporter alleged sweatshop-like conditions and below minimum wage payments to its workers, many of them from India.

According to 'The Sunday Times', its undercover reporter found that workers were being paid as little as 3.50 pounds an hour as against the UK's legal minimum wage of 8.72 pounds an hour and was also operating last week during the localised coronavirus lockdown imposed on the city.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel described the allegations as "truly appalling" and commended the undercover investigation for its role in "uncovering such abhorrent practices".

"I will not tolerate sick criminals forcing innocent people into slave labour and a life of exploitation," said Patel.

"Let this be a warning to those who are exploiting people in sweatshops like these for their own commercial gain. This is just the start. What you are doing is illegal, it will not be tolerated and we are coming after you," she said.

Last week, the senior Cabinet minister had directed the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to investigate modern slavery allegations in Leicester's clothing factories after alarm was raised that they were a key source of the spike in coronavirus infections in the region, which led to England's first localised COVID-19 lockdown for the city.

"Within the last few days NCA officers, along with Leicestershire police and other partner agencies, attended a number of business premises in the Leicester area to assess concerns of modern slavery and human trafficking," the NCA said, which is looking into the undercover reports.

The UK's Modern Slavery Act was passed in 2015, making it a crime to exploit labour and not pay the minimum wage.

The newspaper's undercover reporter spent two days at Jaswal Fashions, a factory which supplies garments to one of Britain's fastest-growing online retailer Boohoo, which owns labels such as Nasty Gal, PrettyLittleThing, MissPap, BoohooMAN, Karen Millen and Coast. 
A statement from Nasty Gal said the company would investigate the newspaper's claims, but insisted that Jaswal Fashions was not a "direct supplier".

"Nasty Gal does not allow any of its suppliers to pay less than the minimum wage and has a zero-tolerance approach to incidences of modern slavery," said Nasty Gal in a statement.

"We have terminated relationships with suppliers where evidence of non-compliance with our strict code of conduct is found. We will take immediate steps to fully investigate the allegations raised and if the allegations are substantiated we will ensure that our suppliers immediately cease working with Jaswal Fashions," it added.

The boxes packed at the factory displayed the name Morefray Limited, another Leicester-based clothing manufacturer. The newspaper said that the man who was identified as the boss of the factory refused to answer questions in detail, but said: "We have legit staff."

The campaign group Labour Behind the Label alleged recently that factories in Leicester making Boohoo garments had put staff at risk of contracting COVID-19, by pressuring them to work without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) or social distancing.

"Emerging evidence indicates that conditions in Leicester's factories, primarily producing for Boohoo, are putting workers at risk of COVID-19 infections and fatalities as some factories have remained open for production during the lockdown, whilst others are now re-opening," the group claimed in its report.

The allegations are denied by Boohoo, which said it uses about 150 factories in Leicester, employing 50 people each on average. Company CEO John Lyttle told the newspaper that he had "personally written to all the factories", outlining company standards and what they need to do in terms of following the "government guidelines".

A clothing factory named Jaswal Fashions based in the eastern England city of Leicester faces a modern slavery investigation after an undercover reporter alleged sweatshop-like conditions and below minimum wage payments to its workers, many of them from India.

A clothing factory named Jaswal Fashions based in the eastern England city of Leicester faces a modern slavery investigation after an undercover reporter alleged sweatshop-like conditions and below minimum wage payments to its workers, many of them from India. According to 'The Sunday Times', its undercover reporter found that workers were being paid as little as 3.50 pounds an hour as against the UK's legal minimum wage of 8.72 pounds an hour and was also operating last week during the localised coronavirus lockdown imposed on the city. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel described the allegations as "truly appalling" and commended the undercover investigation for its role in "uncovering such abhorrent practices". "I will not tolerate sick criminals forcing innocent people into slave labour and a life of exploitation," said Patel. "Let this be a warning to those who are exploiting people in sweatshops like these for their own commercial gain. This is just the start. What you are doing is illegal, it will not be tolerated and we are coming after you," she said. Last week, the senior Cabinet minister had directed the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to investigate modern slavery allegations in Leicester's clothing factories after alarm was raised that they were a key source of the spike in coronavirus infections in the region, which led to England's first localised COVID-19 lockdown for the city. "Within the last few days NCA officers, along with Leicestershire police and other partner agencies, attended a number of business premises in the Leicester area to assess concerns of modern slavery and human trafficking," the NCA said, which is looking into the undercover reports. The UK's Modern Slavery Act was passed in 2015, making it a crime to exploit labour and not pay the minimum wage. The newspaper's undercover reporter spent two days at Jaswal Fashions, a factory which supplies garments to one of Britain's fastest-growing online retailer Boohoo, which owns labels such as Nasty Gal, PrettyLittleThing, MissPap, BoohooMAN, Karen Millen and Coast. A statement from Nasty Gal said the company would investigate the newspaper's claims, but insisted that Jaswal Fashions was not a "direct supplier". "Nasty Gal does not allow any of its suppliers to pay less than the minimum wage and has a zero-tolerance approach to incidences of modern slavery," said Nasty Gal in a statement. "We have terminated relationships with suppliers where evidence of non-compliance with our strict code of conduct is found. We will take immediate steps to fully investigate the allegations raised and if the allegations are substantiated we will ensure that our suppliers immediately cease working with Jaswal Fashions," it added. The boxes packed at the factory displayed the name Morefray Limited, another Leicester-based clothing manufacturer. The newspaper said that the man who was identified as the boss of the factory refused to answer questions in detail, but said: "We have legit staff." The campaign group Labour Behind the Label alleged recently that factories in Leicester making Boohoo garments had put staff at risk of contracting COVID-19, by pressuring them to work without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) or social distancing. "Emerging evidence indicates that conditions in Leicester's factories, primarily producing for Boohoo, are putting workers at risk of COVID-19 infections and fatalities as some factories have remained open for production during the lockdown, whilst others are now re-opening," the group claimed in its report. The allegations are denied by Boohoo, which said it uses about 150 factories in Leicester, employing 50 people each on average. Company CEO John Lyttle told the newspaper that he had "personally written to all the factories", outlining company standards and what they need to do in terms of following the "government guidelines".

Clothing factory in UK faces modern slavery probe

Protesters in the US city of Baltimore pulled down a statue of Christopher Columbus -- the Italian navigator who reached the Americas in 1492 -- on Saturday. This is the latest monument to be toppled in anti-racism demonstrations.

Statues of figures connected to colonialism and slavery have been ripped from their plinths in the United States and around the world since Black Lives Matter protests were sparked by the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May.

Columbus&nbsp;is considered by many to have spurred years of genocide against indigenous groups in the Americas. He is regularly denounced in a similar way to Civil War generals of the pro-slavery South.

Footage published by the Baltimore Sun showed protesters using ropes to pull down the statue of Columbus near the city's Little Italy district and rolling it into the Inner Harbour on the night of July 4.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump earlier mentioned the sailor in his speech to mark the July 4 holiday, when Americans typically celebrate their 1776 declaration of independence from Britain.

"Together we will fight for the American dream, and we will defend, protect, and preserve American way of life which began in 1492 when Columbus discovered America," he said in an address in which he railed against protesters demanding racial justice.

The president last month signed an executive order pledging&nbsp;to enforce prosecution for protesters who vandalise public memorials, promising "long prison terms" for "lawless acts against our Great Country!"

A statue of Columbus was taken down in San Francisco last month, and another was removed from California's state capital Sacramento.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statue-of-christopher-columbus-in-us-toppled-thrown-in-lake-by-anti-racism-protestors-304863">Also read |&nbsp;Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors</a>

Protesters in the US city of Baltimore pulled down a statue of Christopher Columbus -- the Italian navigator who reached the Americas in 1492 -- on Saturday. This is the latest monument to be toppled in anti-racism demonstrations.

Protesters in the US city of Baltimore pulled down a statue of Christopher Columbus -- the Italian navigator who reached the Americas in 1492 -- on Saturday. This is the latest monument to be toppled in anti-racism demonstrations. Statues of figures connected to colonialism and slavery have been ripped from their plinths in the United States and around the world since Black Lives Matter protests were sparked by the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May. Columbus is considered by many to have spurred years of genocide against indigenous groups in the Americas. He is regularly denounced in a similar way to Civil War generals of the pro-slavery South. Footage published by the Baltimore Sun showed protesters using ropes to pull down the statue of Columbus near the city's Little Italy district and rolling it into the Inner Harbour on the night of July 4. US President Donald Trump earlier mentioned the sailor in his speech to mark the July 4 holiday, when Americans typically celebrate their 1776 declaration of independence from Britain. "Together we will fight for the American dream, and we will defend, protect, and preserve American way of life which began in 1492 when Columbus discovered America," he said in an address in which he railed against protesters demanding racial justice. The president last month signed an executive order pledging to enforce prosecution for protesters who vandalise public memorials, promising "long prison terms" for "lawless acts against our Great Country!" A statue of Columbus was taken down in San Francisco last month, and another was removed from California's state capital Sacramento. Also read | Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors

Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore

Berlin's public transport company BVG said on Saturday that completing the renaming of a city centre metro station with a name based on a derogatory word for Black people will take until the end of the year.

"Mohrenstrasse" metro station literally means Moor Street, using the medieval term for people from North Africa.

It will be renamed after another nearby street, Glinkastrasse, named after 19th century Russian composer Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka.

BVG said on Friday it would change the station name, amid a worldwide reckoning with buried legacies of racism and colonial crimes underpinning many western societies, sparked by the death in the United States of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a police officer.

The station lies a few hundred metres from the Brandenburg Gate at the very centre of Berlin, and has had a string of names since it was opened in 1908.

"We will change all network plans, signs at the stations and on buses. Everything must be changed on the subways," said Rolf Erfurt, a BVG board member, in an interview with Reuters TV.

"We will have completed that by the end of the year," he said.

Last month, unidentified activists taped over the station's entrance, temporarily naming it "George Floyd Street".

"I think it's fantastic (to rename the station) because I think it is not on in the 21st century to name streets after racist insults against Black people," said Akwasi Osei-Dwomoh, a passer-by.

"I wish that not just the metro station, but also the street itself, will find a better name." 
&nbsp;

Berlin's public transport company BVG said on Saturday that completing the renaming of a city centre metro station with a name based on a derogatory word for Black people will take until the end of the year.

Berlin's public transport company BVG said on Saturday that completing the renaming of a city centre metro station with a name based on a derogatory word for Black people will take until the end of the year. "Mohrenstrasse" metro station literally means Moor Street, using the medieval term for people from North Africa. It will be renamed after another nearby street, Glinkastrasse, named after 19th century Russian composer Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka. BVG said on Friday it would change the station name, amid a worldwide reckoning with buried legacies of racism and colonial crimes underpinning many western societies, sparked by the death in the United States of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a police officer. The station lies a few hundred metres from the Brandenburg Gate at the very centre of Berlin, and has had a string of names since it was opened in 1908. "We will change all network plans, signs at the stations and on buses. Everything must be changed on the subways," said Rolf Erfurt, a BVG board member, in an interview with Reuters TV. "We will have completed that by the end of the year," he said. Last month, unidentified activists taped over the station's entrance, temporarily naming it "George Floyd Street". "I think it's fantastic (to rename the station) because I think it is not on in the 21st century to name streets after racist insults against Black people," said Akwasi Osei-Dwomoh, a passer-by. "I wish that not just the metro station, but also the street itself, will find a better name."

Berlin metro to change derogatory station name by end of year

Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in cities across Australia, shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were also aimed at raising awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people.

Rallies in the cities of Brisbane, Darwin and Perth drew a smaller turnout than a month ago in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Another protest is planned in Sydney on Sunday, a month since the first Black Lives Matter rallies in Australia.

The organisers said the protests were a continuation of global protests unleashed by the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in the US city of Minneapolis in late May.

Television broadcast images of protesters shouting, “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land” and, “No justice, no peace, no racist police”.

Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in cities across Australia, shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were also aimed at raising awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people.

Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in cities across Australia, shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were also aimed at raising awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people. Rallies in the cities of Brisbane, Darwin and Perth drew a smaller turnout than a month ago in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Another protest is planned in Sydney on Sunday, a month since the first Black Lives Matter rallies in Australia. The organisers said the protests were a continuation of global protests unleashed by the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in the US city of Minneapolis in late May. Television broadcast images of protesters shouting, “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land” and, “No justice, no peace, no racist police”.

Thousands rally across Australia in Black Lives Matter protests

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media.

The footage was recorded on Wednesday by a young woman in the coastal city of Torrance and has been&nbsp;viewed thousands of times online.

"Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of this state and go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in," the woman says in the video.

The clip captures part of the encounter with an unidentified older woman, who is seen yelling at the younger Filipino American woman for allegedly blocking stairs to exercise.

"You're going to get your a** kicked by my family," the older woman says in the video.&nbsp;

"This is not your place! This is not your home! We do not want you here."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-know-if-her-life-needed-to-be-torn-apart-what-mr-cooper-thinks-of-his-now-famous-racist-encounter-with-a-white-lady-301647">Also read |&nbsp;'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady</a> 
​ 
The encounter comes in the wake of anti-racism protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a black man.

"I was minding my own business," the Filipino American woman said.&nbsp;

"I thought this would never happen to me. I thought if you just mind your business, nothing could happen."

"I don't feel safe here now," she said. "It was somewhere I called home because it reminds me of Hawaii, where I was born and raised, and now I just don't even want to go out."

"So, I was working out -- I like to jump on the stairs and just go side to side, so I was just doing that -- and all of a sudden I see her and she goes around another Asian lady doing Tai Chi and then walks down those stairs and then goes up my stairs and then comes back down and kind of like nudges me on my left shoulder, and that's when I said, 'Oh Jesus,'" she said.

"And then she went back up on to the stairs and started yelling at me," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-residents-in-north-carolina-wash-black-preists-feet-during-prayers-for-george-floyd-304362">Also read |&nbsp;White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd</a>

The woman filed a criminal threat report on Thursday and an investigation is underway.

According to census data, 36.6% of Torrance's population identifies as Asian. It is the second largest racial group in the city, which is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations in the United States.

(with inputs from CNN)

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media.

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media. The footage was recorded on Wednesday by a young woman in the coastal city of Torrance and has been viewed thousands of times online. "Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of this state and go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in," the woman says in the video. The clip captures part of the encounter with an unidentified older woman, who is seen yelling at the younger Filipino American woman for allegedly blocking stairs to exercise. "You're going to get your a** kicked by my family," the older woman says in the video. "This is not your place! This is not your home! We do not want you here." Also read | 'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady The encounter comes in the wake of anti-racism protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a black man. "I was minding my own business," the Filipino American woman said. "I thought this would never happen to me. I thought if you just mind your business, nothing could happen." "I don't feel safe here now," she said. "It was somewhere I called home because it reminds me of Hawaii, where I was born and raised, and now I just don't even want to go out." "So, I was working out -- I like to jump on the stairs and just go side to side, so I was just doing that -- and all of a sudden I see her and she goes around another Asian lady doing Tai Chi and then walks down those stairs and then goes up my stairs and then comes back down and kind of like nudges me on my left shoulder, and that's when I said, 'Oh Jesus,'" she said. "And then she went back up on to the stairs and started yelling at me," she said. Also read | White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd The woman filed a criminal threat report on Thursday and an investigation is underway. According to census data, 36.6% of Torrance's population identifies as Asian. It is the second largest racial group in the city, which is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations in the United States. (with inputs from CNN)

Another American captured on video harassing a non-white woman exercising in a park

Pockets of anti-racism protestors rallied again in various parts of Britain on Saturday as about 1,000 counter-demonstrators also took to London's streets vowing to protect historic monuments that have been targeted in recent days.

Police warned some people may bring weapons, while statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill - Britain's World War Two leader whom demonstrators call a racist - were boarded up to avoid becoming flashpoints.

Demonstrations have been taking place around the world over the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

In Britain, debate is raging over monuments to those involved in the nation's imperialist past, especially after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down and thrown into the harbour of Bristol port last weekend.

Police said on Saturday that some people were planning to come to London to cause harm. They imposed route restrictions on both groups and said rallies must end by 5 pm (1600 GMT).

"Anyone who thinks they can commit a crime or vandalise property will be arrested," Commander Bas Javid said in a statement.

"MY CULTURE UNDER ATTACK"

In and around Parliament Square in central London, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, chanting "England, England", and describing themselves as patriots, gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial.

The group sang songs in support of right-wing activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who goes by the name of Tommy Robinson.

"Winston Churchill, he's one of our own," they also chanted, near his statue which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: "Churchill was a racist".

"My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right," said David Allen, one of the protestors.

About two miles away, around 20 anti-racism protestors gathered at Hyde Park, holding Black Lives Matter placards, even though organisers had told them not to attend fearing clashes.

There were also rallies in major northern English cities like Liverpool and Newcastle, with many protestors donning masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pockets of anti-racism protestors rallied again in various parts of Britain on Saturday as about 1,000 counter-demonstrators also took to London's streets vowing to protect historic monuments that have been targeted in recent days.

Pockets of anti-racism protestors rallied again in various parts of Britain on Saturday as about 1,000 counter-demonstrators also took to London's streets vowing to protect historic monuments that have been targeted in recent days. Police warned some people may bring weapons, while statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill - Britain's World War Two leader whom demonstrators call a racist - were boarded up to avoid becoming flashpoints. Demonstrations have been taking place around the world over the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. In Britain, debate is raging over monuments to those involved in the nation's imperialist past, especially after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down and thrown into the harbour of Bristol port last weekend. Police said on Saturday that some people were planning to come to London to cause harm. They imposed route restrictions on both groups and said rallies must end by 5 pm (1600 GMT). "Anyone who thinks they can commit a crime or vandalise property will be arrested," Commander Bas Javid said in a statement. "MY CULTURE UNDER ATTACK" In and around Parliament Square in central London, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, chanting "England, England", and describing themselves as patriots, gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial. The group sang songs in support of right-wing activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who goes by the name of Tommy Robinson. "Winston Churchill, he's one of our own," they also chanted, near his statue which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: "Churchill was a racist". "My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right," said David Allen, one of the protestors. About two miles away, around 20 anti-racism protestors gathered at Hyde Park, holding Black Lives Matter placards, even though organisers had told them not to attend fearing clashes. There were also rallies in major northern English cities like Liverpool and Newcastle, with many protestors donning masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Anti-racism and right-wing protestors rally in Britain

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest," said Goodell. "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter."

The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the customary pre-game playing of the national anthem. The practice was popularized by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Kaepernick, who in 2013 led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens, filed a grievance against the league in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the Niners. The NFL and Kaepernick settled in 2019.

"Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff," said Goodell. "I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve."

The NFL sent the video out just hours after US President Donald Trump renewed his call for an end to kneeling protests during the national anthem.

"We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart," Trump wrote on Twitter. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!"

The statement was a response to quarterback Drew Brees, who apologised this week for equating the kneeling protest with disrespecting the American flag.

On Thursday, several players, including reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in a video on social media calling for the league to "admit wrong in silencing" players and to support protests.

"How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?" Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu said in the video.

The league also faced criticism earlier this year when just one of five head-coaching vacancies went to a non-white candidate in the most recent hiring cycle, and last month the NFL introduced rules designed to boost racial diversity among coaching staffs.

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people. "We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest," said Goodell. "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter." The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the customary pre-game playing of the national anthem. The practice was popularized by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Kaepernick, who in 2013 led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens, filed a grievance against the league in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the Niners. The NFL and Kaepernick settled in 2019. "Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff," said Goodell. "I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve." The NFL sent the video out just hours after US President Donald Trump renewed his call for an end to kneeling protests during the national anthem. "We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart," Trump wrote on Twitter. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!" The statement was a response to quarterback Drew Brees, who apologised this week for equating the kneeling protest with disrespecting the American flag. On Thursday, several players, including reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in a video on social media calling for the league to "admit wrong in silencing" players and to support protests. "How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?" Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu said in the video. The league also faced criticism earlier this year when just one of five head-coaching vacancies went to a non-white candidate in the most recent hiring cycle, and last month the NFL introduced rules designed to boost racial diversity among coaching staffs.

'We were wrong': NFL commissioner regrets stance on player protests, condemns racism

Anti-racism protestors in the UK clashed with mounted police on Saturday after thousands gathered in central London to voice their anger at police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, US.

Saturday's protests reflect global anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of Floyd, a black American, when a white police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as fellow officers stood by.

In London, after a largely peaceful day, small numbers of protestors near Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street residence threw bottles at police, and mounted officers charged to push them back.

One officer required hospital treatment after falling from her horse, and nine others were injured.

A group of protestors attacked a dummy resembling US President Donald Trump, while others threw flares.

Thousands of protestors also crowded into the square outside Parliament, holding "Black Lives Matter" placards and ignoring government advice to avoid large gatherings due to the risk from coronavirus.

Reclusive street artist Banksy published a new artwork online showing the U.S. flag being set alight by a candle that formed part of a memorial to an anonymous, black silhouetted figure.

Earlier in the day, more than a thousand protestors marched past the US Embassy on the south bank of the River Thames.

Before Saturday's protest in London, the US ambassador to Britain condemned Floyd's death and said the United States needed to do more to fight racism and injustice.

"It is through peaceful protests that injustice is most successfully addressed," said Ambassador Woody Johnson.

Demonstrations also took place in other British, European and Asian cities on Saturday, after tens of thousands of people chanting "No justice, no peace, no racist police" marched through central London on Wednesday.

Anti-racism protestors in the UK clashed with mounted police on Saturday after thousands gathered in central London to voice their anger at police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, US.

Anti-racism protestors in the UK clashed with mounted police on Saturday after thousands gathered in central London to voice their anger at police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, US. Saturday's protests reflect global anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of Floyd, a black American, when a white police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as fellow officers stood by. In London, after a largely peaceful day, small numbers of protestors near Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street residence threw bottles at police, and mounted officers charged to push them back. One officer required hospital treatment after falling from her horse, and nine others were injured. A group of protestors attacked a dummy resembling US President Donald Trump, while others threw flares. Thousands of protestors also crowded into the square outside Parliament, holding "Black Lives Matter" placards and ignoring government advice to avoid large gatherings due to the risk from coronavirus. Reclusive street artist Banksy published a new artwork online showing the U.S. flag being set alight by a candle that formed part of a memorial to an anonymous, black silhouetted figure. Earlier in the day, more than a thousand protestors marched past the US Embassy on the south bank of the River Thames. Before Saturday's protest in London, the US ambassador to Britain condemned Floyd's death and said the United States needed to do more to fight racism and injustice. "It is through peaceful protests that injustice is most successfully addressed," said Ambassador Woody Johnson. Demonstrations also took place in other British, European and Asian cities on Saturday, after tens of thousands of people chanting "No justice, no peace, no racist police" marched through central London on Wednesday.

Anti-racism protestors clash with mounted police in Britain

Anti-racism protests in London and other cities have triggered fears across the UK as it risks causing an increase in coronavirus cases again, as per British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-situational-awareness-was-quite-poor-it-cost-many-lives-government-scientific-advisor-304038" hreflang="en">UK's situational awareness was quite poor, it cost many lives: Government scientific advisor</a>

During an interview with Sky News, Hancock said that it is "undoubtedly a risk".

He said: "I support very strongly the argument that is being made by those who are protesting ... but the virus itself doesn’t discriminate and gathering in large groups is temporarily against the rules precisely because it increases the risk of the spread of this virus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-tells-italians-not-to-celebrate-victory-over-coronavirus-too-soon-304036" hreflang="en">Pope Francis tells Italians not to celebrate victory over coronavirus too soon</a>

According to the coronavirus guidelines set by the British government, a gathering of more than six people are not allowed.&nbsp;

John Edmund, one of the government's scientific advisors, said that the chances of virus spreading are lower outside and the current estimate is that around one in 1,000 people in the country is infectious.

"If you have a crowd of a few thousand people then you would expect some of those people to be infectious ... so it is a risk to have thousands of people congregating together," he told BBC TV.

London police chief Cressida Dick urged protestors to &nbsp;"find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London" due to the coronavirus fears.

Anti-racism protests in London and other cities have triggered fears across the UK as it risks causing an increase in coronavirus cases again, as per British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday.

Anti-racism protests in London and other cities have triggered fears across the UK as it risks causing an increase in coronavirus cases again, as per British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday. Also read: UK's situational awareness was quite poor, it cost many lives: Government scientific advisor During an interview with Sky News, Hancock said that it is "undoubtedly a risk". He said: "I support very strongly the argument that is being made by those who are protesting ... but the virus itself doesn’t discriminate and gathering in large groups is temporarily against the rules precisely because it increases the risk of the spread of this virus." Also read: Pope Francis tells Italians not to celebrate victory over coronavirus too soon According to the coronavirus guidelines set by the British government, a gathering of more than six people are not allowed. John Edmund, one of the government's scientific advisors, said that the chances of virus spreading are lower outside and the current estimate is that around one in 1,000 people in the country is infectious. "If you have a crowd of a few thousand people then you would expect some of those people to be infectious ... so it is a risk to have thousands of people congregating together," he told BBC TV. London police chief Cressida Dick urged protestors to "find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London" due to the coronavirus fears.

Anti-racism protests undoubtedly increase risk of coronavirus spread: UK health minister

The imagery by artist Simone Fugazzotto featured three&nbsp;apes with different colour eyes and detailing.

"We realised it was inappropriate," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-inter-milan-return-to-serie-a-duel-as-napoli-try-to-snap-winless-run-265161">league</a>'s&nbsp;chief&nbsp;executive Luigi De Siervo said in a statement on Tuesday.

Italian clubs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-match-preview-of-liverpool-vs-as-roma-132620">AS Roma</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ac-milan-offer-ibrahimovic-six-month-deal-reports-263650">AC Milan</a> have criticised the choice of imagery that the league initially said: "aims to spread the values of integration, multiculturalism and brotherhood".

Fugazzotto, who uses&nbsp;apes in much of his work, defended his creation, saying "we are all monkeys".

The imagery by artist Simone Fugazzotto featured three apes with different colour eyes and detailing. "We realised it was inappropriate," the league's chief executive Luigi De Siervo said in a statement on Tuesday.

The imagery by artist Simone Fugazzotto featured three apes with different colour eyes and detailing. "We realised it was inappropriate," the league's chief executive Luigi De Siervo said in a statement on Tuesday. Italian clubs AS Roma and AC Milan have criticised the choice of imagery that the league initially said: "aims to spread the values of integration, multiculturalism and brotherhood". Fugazzotto, who uses apes in much of his work, defended his creation, saying "we are all monkeys".

Serie-A chief apologises for anti-racism ape artwork

Tunisia's parliament has adopted a law criminalising racist speech, incitement to hatred and discrimination, in a vote hailed as a historic first in a country with a significant black minority.

The legislation was approved on Tuesday night after a lengthy debate with 125 members of parliament voting for it, one against and five abstaining.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-announces-draft-bill-to-give-women-equal-inheritance-159003">Tunisia announces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-announces-draft-bill-to-give-women-equal-inheritance-159003">draft</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-announces-draft-bill-to-give-women-equal-inheritance-159003"> bill to give women equal inheritance</a>

"This is a very important turning point in the history of Tunisia, equivalent to the abolition of slavery," said Messaoud Romdhani, head of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights.

Slavery was abolished in the North African country when it was a beylik, or vassal of the Ottoman empire, in 1846.

"It's a giant step, but there's still a lot of work to be done to make this law a reality in a society where there is racism against the 10 percent of black Tunisians and sub-Saharan Africans who suffer from insults and sometimes violent attacks," said Romdhani.

"It is a question of punishing but also of showing respect, especially through education."

Under the newly passed legislation, offenders can be jailed for one month and fined 1,000 dinars ($350, 300 euros) for using racist language.

Incitement to hatred, making racist threats, spreading and advocating racism, and belonging to an organisation that supports discrimination are punishable by one to three years in prison and can be fined up to 3,000 dinars.

"This is a historic moment for Tunisia," said the Tunisian Association for Minority Support, adding it would continue "the fight to ensure the proper implementation of the law."

Non-governmental organisations in Tunisia often report attacks on people singled out for the colour of their skin.

In August, an Ivorian woman was beaten after responding to insults, raising fears of more attacks on her community.

Tunisia's parliament has adopted a law criminalising racist speech, incitement to hatred and discrimination, in a vote hailed as a historic first in a country with a significant black minority.

Tunisia's parliament has adopted a law criminalising racist speech, incitement to hatred and discrimination, in a vote hailed as a historic first in a country with a significant black minority. The legislation was approved on Tuesday night after a lengthy debate with 125 members of parliament voting for it, one against and five abstaining. Also read: Tunisia announces draft bill to give women equal inheritance "This is a very important turning point in the history of Tunisia, equivalent to the abolition of slavery," said Messaoud Romdhani, head of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights. Slavery was abolished in the North African country when it was a beylik, or vassal of the Ottoman empire, in 1846. "It's a giant step, but there's still a lot of work to be done to make this law a reality in a society where there is racism against the 10 percent of black Tunisians and sub-Saharan Africans who suffer from insults and sometimes violent attacks," said Romdhani. "It is a question of punishing but also of showing respect, especially through education." Under the newly passed legislation, offenders can be jailed for one month and fined 1,000 dinars ($350, 300 euros) for using racist language. Incitement to hatred, making racist threats, spreading and advocating racism, and belonging to an organisation that supports discrimination are punishable by one to three years in prison and can be fined up to 3,000 dinars. "This is a historic moment for Tunisia," said the Tunisian Association for Minority Support, adding it would continue "the fight to ensure the proper implementation of the law." Non-governmental organisations in Tunisia often report attacks on people singled out for the colour of their skin. In August, an Ivorian woman was beaten after responding to insults, raising fears of more attacks on her community.

Tunisia parliament adopts anti-racism law

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace.

Uniting under the banner "Stop the hatred", counter-demonstrators say they want to drown out the march by the anti-immigration, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD).

But AfD members have accused some opponents of threatening to use violence.

The party's "Future of Germany" march, slated to start outside Berlin's main train station at midday (1000 GMT) and end at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, marks the first public show of strength by the nationalist outfit since it became the largest opposition party.

Scheduled to address the crowd are top AfD'ers Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, who regularly rail against Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in large numbers of mostly Muslim refugees at the height of Europe's migrant crisis.

"We want to show everyone that along with millions of Germans across the country we are worried about Germany's future," Berlin AfD chief Georg Pazderski told a pre-march press conference.

After predicting 10,000 AfD supporters would show up, organisers later scaled back expectations to "at least 2,500 to 5,000".

Pazderski said many still feared being "stigmatised" for showing their AfD colours, even after the party took nearly 13 percent of the vote and won its first seats in the national parliament in last year's elections.&nbsp;

Bass away the AfD

If confirmed, the AfD turnout could be dwarfed by a slate of counter-demos.

The most eye-catching promises to be a huge dance party by over 100 clubs from Berlin's legendary techno scene, who want to use boats on the river Spree and a convoy of trucks to "bass away" the AfD.

"The Berlin club culture is everything that Nazis are not," they said in a statement.

"We are progressive, queer, feminist, anti-racist, inclusive, colourful and we have unicorns."

More than 9,000 dance fans have said they will attend, according to the event's Facebook page.&nbsp;

Thousands of others have vowed to join a mass anti-AfD protest organised by a collection of groups including political parties, unions, student bodies, migrant advocates and civil society organisations.

"We won't leave the streets to the AfD," said Nora Berneis of the "Stop the hatred, stop the AfD" alliance.

Although the vast majority of counter-demonstrators are expected to be peaceful, members of the far-left extremist Antifa movement have on their website called for "chaos", urging sympathisers "to sabotage the AfD rally using all necessary means".

Berlin police said they plan to deploy 2,000 officers, drafted in from across Germany, to prevent clashes and any attempts "to block the right to free speech".

Rape threats

Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party, the AfD rose to prominence by capitalising on widespread anger over the arrival of over a million asylum seekers in Germany since 2015.

It now holds more than 90 seats in the Bundestag where its presence has changed the tone of debate.

Just this month, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel earned herself a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings".

Merkel's left-right coalition government has responded to the AfD's rise by tightening asylum policies, but the party continues to climb in opinion polls -- exposing the divisions in German society.

In a sign of the simmering tensions, lawmaker Renate Kuenast of the opposition Greens party was deluged with thousands of hateful comments after posting a video online urging people to join Sunday's anti-AfD demos.

The posts included rape threats and calls for her to kill herself.&nbsp;

Kuenast responded with a second Facebook video in which she vowed to file complaints against the worst messages, and said nothing would deter her from marching.

"I am now more than ever calling for people to join us in demonstrating on Sunday," she said.

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace. Uniting under the banner "Stop the hatred", counter-demonstrators say they want to drown out the march by the anti-immigration, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD). But AfD members have accused some opponents of threatening to use violence. The party's "Future of Germany" march, slated to start outside Berlin's main train station at midday (1000 GMT) and end at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, marks the first public show of strength by the nationalist outfit since it became the largest opposition party. Scheduled to address the crowd are top AfD'ers Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, who regularly rail against Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in large numbers of mostly Muslim refugees at the height of Europe's migrant crisis. "We want to show everyone that along with millions of Germans across the country we are worried about Germany's future," Berlin AfD chief Georg Pazderski told a pre-march press conference. After predicting 10,000 AfD supporters would show up, organisers later scaled back expectations to "at least 2,500 to 5,000". Pazderski said many still feared being "stigmatised" for showing their AfD colours, even after the party took nearly 13 percent of the vote and won its first seats in the national parliament in last year's elections. Bass away the AfD If confirmed, the AfD turnout could be dwarfed by a slate of counter-demos. The most eye-catching promises to be a huge dance party by over 100 clubs from Berlin's legendary techno scene, who want to use boats on the river Spree and a convoy of trucks to "bass away" the AfD. "The Berlin club culture is everything that Nazis are not," they said in a statement. "We are progressive, queer, feminist, anti-racist, inclusive, colourful and we have unicorns." More than 9,000 dance fans have said they will attend, according to the event's Facebook page. Thousands of others have vowed to join a mass anti-AfD protest organised by a collection of groups including political parties, unions, student bodies, migrant advocates and civil society organisations. "We won't leave the streets to the AfD," said Nora Berneis of the "Stop the hatred, stop the AfD" alliance. Although the vast majority of counter-demonstrators are expected to be peaceful, members of the far-left extremist Antifa movement have on their website called for "chaos", urging sympathisers "to sabotage the AfD rally using all necessary means". Berlin police said they plan to deploy 2,000 officers, drafted in from across Germany, to prevent clashes and any attempts "to block the right to free speech". Rape threats Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party, the AfD rose to prominence by capitalising on widespread anger over the arrival of over a million asylum seekers in Germany since 2015. It now holds more than 90 seats in the Bundestag where its presence has changed the tone of debate. Just this month, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel earned herself a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings". Merkel's left-right coalition government has responded to the AfD's rise by tightening asylum policies, but the party continues to climb in opinion polls -- exposing the divisions in German society. In a sign of the simmering tensions, lawmaker Renate Kuenast of the opposition Greens party was deluged with thousands of hateful comments after posting a video online urging people to join Sunday's anti-AfD demos. The posts included rape threats and calls for her to kill herself. Kuenast responded with a second Facebook video in which she vowed to file complaints against the worst messages, and said nothing would deter her from marching. "I am now more than ever calling for people to join us in demonstrating on Sunday," she said.

Berlin: Far-right takes to streets to stage anti-government protest